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Summer Food and Drink Stops to Explore Outside Champaign-Urbana

June 29, 2021

Champaign-Urbana might be the Best Midwest Food Town according to Midwest Living, but good eats and drinks don't stop when you leave C-U. The greater Champaign County area has a ton of great options for quick bites, great meals, and treats worth indulging in. Here are just a few of the great options available when it comes to summer food and drink stops to explore outside Champaign-Urbana. 

Image Credit: Whisk Coffee and Wine Bar on Instagram

WHISK COFFEE AND WINE BAR

Whisk Coffee and Wine Bar's name might boast its coffee and wine fares, but that's not all you can expect from this recent addition to the Mahomet food and drink scene. On top of brewing Gobena Coffee and lots of great adult libations, their menu also features blended drinks like frappes and smoothies as well as food like sandwiches, pastries, and breakfast options. As their tagline goes, "Life Begins After Coffee," and when it does, you won't even have to leave because Whisk has it all.

Sidney Dairy barn

The owners of Sidney Dairy Barn boast, “They have the best ice cream in the world”,  but we will let you be the judge. This gem sits in the quaint little village of Sidney, located 15 minutes from Champaign. People from near and far make a pilgrimage to the Dairy Barn every summer to get their flavor of the week.  So if you’re traveling through Champaign County, take a detour through the countryside to the Sidney Dairy Barn.

Ta'Carbon

Ta'Carbon is Tuscola’s premier steakhouse experience with a twist. Sure, you can order the standard steakhouse fare, but there's much more to this menu. Enjoy smash burgers, great chicken entrees, and amazing sides. Plus, they a lighter bar menu that evokes pub classics with the quality of a great steakhouse. Daily specials are always making it easy to try something new, or you stick your favorite and order from whichever menu you'd like for in-house dining or carryout. 

Image Credit: The Brown Bag on Instagram

The Brown Bag Deli

There's nothing quite like a great authentic deli experience. While you might think you need to head to New York to get the real thing, it's much closer with a drive to Monticello's The Brown Bag Deli. The Brown Bag boasts a large assortment of sandwiches, hot delicious homemade soups, and fresh salads made daily. Your meal is prepared using only the finest local & imported meats, cheeses, and breads from Chicago & New York. Check out daily specials or create your own sandwich or salad.

Eager to explore more food and drink options outside Champaign-Urbana? Check out all of the greater Champaign County area's Food & Drink listings.

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