With the recent announcement from the Illinois Public Department of Health, restaurants will not be allowed to offer indoor dining at this time. This makes things harder for our C-U restaurants, and if you want to support your favorite restaurants, now is the time to do so. You can order carryout from many restaurants in town, and if you can get your order to go, that’s the safest way to enjoy restaurant food in a pandemic.
If you’re itching for a meal out, lots of our restaurants are offering outdoor dining options. Julie wrote about patio dining options in C-U here.
As the weather turns from pleasant to colder temps, heated outdoor seating will become a hot commodity. I set out in search of the great (warm) outdoors in our town and found that there’s quite a few options if you’re looking for warmth while you enjoy outdoor dining — even on a chilly evening.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Baxter’s American Grille
On Neil Street near Kirby, you can find Baxter’s American Grille. They have a fireplace and four propane heaters, so you will definitely be warm if you can score a spot near them. Tables are spaced far apart, much farther than six feet, outside the restaurant. There is ample parking available in the lot right in front of the chophouse.
Check out the menu here. If you want to learn more about Baxter’s, you can read this interview we had last year with a manager at Baxter’s.
Book your table online here.
Baxter’s American Grille
100 Trade Center Drive
Champaign
M-F 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sa+Su 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Black Dog Champaign
If you’re looking for a good place for outdoor dining, Black Dog Champaign has you covered. They have this brick four-season porch to the restaurant with open air from the large windows and radiant heating units as well. Black Dog keeps the windows open to allow airflow, but they crank the heat, so you can dine and feel toasty even on a cold, Illinois night.
Photo from Black Dog Champaign Facebook page.
This is what it looks like inside. Lots of spacing between the tables and lots of tables available. Check out their menu here.
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
320 N Chestnut
Champaign
11 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Big Grove Tavern
Big Grove Tavern has many tall, fire heaters set up for outdoor guests. Tables are spaced more than six feet away from each other on both sides outside of the corner restaurant in Downtown Champaign. Under the awning, there is additional seating which has heating from above. These heat options will keep diners pretty warm, even in the winter months.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
I mean, look at those flames. On their Facebook page, Big Grove reminds diners, “Please remember to wear your mask when not eating or drinking.” You can call 217-239-3505 to reserve an outdoor table.
Big Grove Tavern
1 E Main St
Champaign
M-W 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Th 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
F+Sa 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Su 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Fiesta Cafe
Fiesta Cafe has been offering heated outdoor seating for a long time, even before the pandemic. The restaurant has a covered patio with plenty of tables in addition to the outdoor tables at the front of their parking lot. Overhead radiant heating keeps diners under the covered patio warm while they get their taco fix.
You can read our recent interview with Fiesta Cafe here and find their menu here.
Fiesta Cafe
216 S First St
Champaign
11 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
KoFusion
KoFusion in Downtown Champaign has tall heaters spaced around their outdoor tables. Tables are spaced far apart on the patio outside of the restaurant. There are so many heaters outside Kofusion that it looks near impossible to get a table without one nearby. They will keep you warm while you dine, especially if you order a hot sake at arrival.
KoFusion offers both sushi and a fusion of Asian and American cuisine with an extensive beer and wine menu in addition to sakes and house cocktails. Here’s a link to the menu at KoFusion.
KoFusion
1 E Main St
Champaign
T-Th 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
F-M 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Everyday Kitchen Restaurant & Bar
Part of the Lodgic Community, this restaurant offers outdoor tables in a tent or on the patio. There are heaters inside the tent. The restaurant also has blankets and handwarmers available for diners. The tent has sidewall panoramic windows to allow in natural light and sunshine.
This what it looks like inside the tent. It looks romantic and beautiful to me. Tables are spaced far apart, and there is a wooden half-wall with greenery for ambiance. You can check out the menu here.
Everyday Kitchen Restaurant & Bar
1807 S. Neil St
Champaign
M-F 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sa 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Su 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Punch! Bar
Punch! opened last year in July and specializes in a great drink menu. On Neil Street in Downtown Champaign, Punch! has two tall, open-flame heaters available for outdoor dining guests. There are not very many tables available, so do call ahead or go early to secure a table.
Sharable bites like charcuterie board, seasonal popcorn, beer cheese dip, and more are on the menu.
Punch! Bar
217 N Neil St
Champaign
T-F 4 to 10 p.m.
Sa noon to 10 p.m.
Su noon to 6 p.m.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Aspen Tap House
Scotty’s Brewhouse closed, and Aspen Tap House took over the space. On Neil Street in Champaign, this new restaurant has a giant tent with side panels that have arched windows. The tent is heated, so you’ll be safe from the wind and the cold inside. There is also an open-air fireplace room that has windows open to the outside if a tent isn’t your thing.
Aspen Tap House offers burgers, nachos, and lots of beer, wine, and cocktails. Check out the food menu, the drink menu, and beers on draft.
Aspen Tap House
2001 S Neil St
Champaign
Su-Th 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
F+Sa 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Top image by Alyssa Buckley.
