Living in Urbana, we’re surrounded by the best American comfort food in the Midwest. We’ve got legendary burger joints, world-class diners, and more incredible barbecue spots than anybody knows what to do with. We also have historic old-school American restaurants, too. You know the ones—those beloved shrines dedicated to meatloaf platters, milkshakes, and endless baskets of fries.
Sure, they might not have the trendiest food in town, but if you’re coming to these spots expecting avant-garde plating and deconstructed flavor profiles, you’ve missed the point.
Apple Dumpling
$ | (217) 344-0076 | WEBSITE
Whenever we have family visiting from out of town, our automatic choice is to bring them to Apple Dumpling in Urbana. Is this cozy, no-frills spot across from the police station where you’ll find the most refined American cuisine in Illinois? Definitely not. But loading up a plate at the Sunday buffet and enjoying fried chicken and rolls with apple butter while watching kids play happily and chatting with friendly neighbors is a signature Urbana experience.
Gather everyone around a big wooden table and feed the whole crew mashed potatoes and glazed carrots for a guaranteed stress-free meal.
Culver’s
$ | (217) 607-1162 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Urbana with a surprisingly tricky parking situation, Culver’s is a local favorite that serves classic American comfort food in a warm, cozy space surrounded by trees. Mostly, it’s a reliable spot for a quick meal that involves burgers fresh off the grill. You won’t find any fancy twists here, but you will find hearty, well-cooked beef burgers, solid crispy chicken sandwiches, and little extras like ice cream given by the happy staff (a nice touch).
Bring kids who will love the quaint corner booth at the back. You’ll be too busy enjoying a sweet treat like the Dark Toffee ice cream to mind the occasional inconsistency.
Perkins American Food Co.
$ | (217) 560-7347 | WEBSITE
Since opening its doors in Urbana, Perkins American Food Co. has remained one of the most reliable spots in town to start your day right. The classic American diner—a beloved family destination—serves a focused menu of rainbow pancakes, half-size meals perfect for little ones, and coffee so consistently good, it should come with a morning guarantee.
They’ve also maintained a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, complete with friendly servers like Kris and Shawn, reasonable prices that won’t break the bank, and just enough cozy booth seating for everyone. It’s the kind of place where you can always count on a solid breakfast, especially when free pie on Mondays makes the visit even sweeter.
Boomerangs Bar & Grill
$ | (217) 239-7264 | WEBSITE
This cozy restaurant in Urbana is a local institution and perhaps your best chance at spotting a professor and a student sharing a booth while discussing midterms. This is the kind of place where families and college regulars mingle without anybody making a fuss about it. The grilled cheese is wonderfully indulgent and that veggie quesadilla is a must-order. Boomerangs is a bit of a holy grail for town dwellers, so arriving early is definitely encouraged on game days.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
$ | (217) 344-9087 | WEBSITE
A sprawling country-themed restaurant chain with locations across America, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is a reliable family-friendly destination for hearty meals—particularly after Sunday services or weekend outings. The wooden booths fill up with regulars enjoying plates of the “Good Old Boy Country Breakfast,” stacks of Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes, and endless refills of hot coffee. The pancakes are exceptional: sweet but not cloying, and topped with generous dollops of cream.
And for anyone craving dessert for breakfast, their coffee—served promptly by pleasant, personable waitstaff—will famously warm you up, and complement a side of crispy hash browns perfectly.
Silvercreek
$$$ | (217) 328-3402 | WEBSITE
Silvercreek is a rustic, cabin-style restaurant in Urbana that impresses with its cozy ambiance and delicious dishes. The main dining room with its high ceilings and exposed brick is perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions, but we usually prefer to sit in the lovely atrium space sipping a glass of wine under the natural light. True to form, this charming establishment has standout menu items like the Duck Entree, Shrimp Caesar Salad with truffle oil, and perfectly cooked Filet Mignon.
Silvercreek also serves excellent sides like roasted cauliflower in brown butter with roasted vegetables, and desserts are a highlight—the Crème Brûlée with fresh vanilla bean and the rich Chocolate Solution cake are both worth saving room for. With attentive service and that warm, cabin-like atmosphere, keep it in mind the next time you’re craving a great dining experience in Urbana.
Po’ Boys
$ | (217) 367-2255 | WEBSITE
Po’ Boys has been serving Urbana for years, and the menu hasn’t changed much since it opened, which is a good thing. The signature dish is the BBQ grilled cheese with fries and added onions and mushrooms, but sometimes we deviate and go for either the excellent rib tips or the cheese sticks. And aside from the solid food, Po’ Boys is always a dependable good time, with food arriving fast and hot, a cute setting that feels welcoming, and ample parking that makes it easy to visit.
With its great service and friendly staff, it’s a must-visit spot that consistently exceeds expectations.
Bunny’s Tavern
$ | (217) 367-8175 | WEBSITE
Bunny’s Tavern might be just one spot in Urbana, but the one you need to make time for is the original with its charming patio. This pet-friendly establishment feels like a miniature retreat, except instead of city noise and strict rules, there’s a nostalgic Sunday breakfast, an ever-friendly staff, and wonderfully cooked dishes. They’ve been serving that perfect salmon sandwich with citrus glaze for years and it’s flaky, tangy, and delightful.
As far as the food goes, we usually get the light and crispy walleye or the salmon sandwich—and several cups of coffee on the patio.