Whether you’re craving a quick bite between classes or seeking a reliably delicious meal that won’t break the bank, there are moments when only fast food hits the spot. Here are the top spots in Urbana for exactly that kind of satisfaction.
Windy City Express
$ | (217) 344-9404 | WEBSITE
If there’s one thing you have to order at Windy City Express, it’s the Philly cheese steak. Think: the classic Chicago sandwich, minus the hassle of downtown traffic. This popular fast food spot feels like your neighborhood go-to, which makes it the ideal setting for a quick lunch or a late-night craving.
It’s pretty tough to beat their drive-through service, but they do have friendly staff ready to help, so try to swing by then get a gyro and ask about the Thursday special of chicken fingers and a drink.
Arby’s
$ | (217) 367-5624 | WEBSITE
The next time you want to pretend you’re a regular enjoying a quick, satisfying meal, head to Arby’s. The straightforward space boasts a clean interior and service that’s typically friendly and efficient, so it’s kind of a deal if you think about it. For food, we recommend the mozzarella sticks and a beef n cheddar or chicken sandwich from the menu.
Culver’s
$ | (217) 607-1162 | WEBSITE
The two best things at Culver’s are the burgers and ice cream, so we recommend you skip the whole circling-the-parking-lot-for-15-minutes-and-stressing-about-space thing and just grab one of the comfortable booths near the back. The staff is so good at their job that we recommend just ordering the whole dessert menu, especially the unique Dark Toffee flavor. Supplement this with something classic, like a fresh beef burger or veggie burger, to eat.
This place has that warm and cozy feel to it, with lots of trees outside and a beautiful new parking lot that somehow still makes parking hard to find.
Wendy’s
$ | (217) 344-2899 | WEBSITE
This reliable Urbana fast-food spot is the place to be if you want to grab a Baconator and enjoy fresh, hot fries in a space that will make you feel like you’re getting quality on the go. The clean interior offers a functional environment with just the right volume of music, which is a major bonus. If you’re a salad person, we highly recommend trying the summer strawberry salad, which combines healthy vegetables in the most delicious way possible.
McDonald’s
$ | (217) 367-3722 | WEBSITE
The Big Mac at McDonald’s is one of the best fast-food burgers in Urbana, so we highly recommend grabbing a booth and a soda to try it. Classic beef patties are stacked with special sauce and crisp lettuce that’s so satisfying a person with a serious craving could easily make a meal of it. The interior here is clean and modern, and they use bright lighting and streamlined counters to great effect at this family-friendly spot.
Taco Bell
$ | (217) 367-2871 | WEBSITE
Drive-through restaurants often feel like assembly lines. But at Taco Bell—a remodeled Urbana location with famously dedicated staff—the fast-food experience feels genuinely thoughtful. You can get bean burritos or chicken cantina burritos that arrive hot and fresh, and most of the staff members like Ezra and Candice provide service with real professionalism.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (217) 344-4108 | WEBSITE
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill offers a comforting take on fast-food classics, and their burgers taste like juicy beef and toasted buns with nostalgia on top. It’s a textbook example of the form. Like their savory options, the ice cream menu here stays reliably delicious. We actually think the blizzards are more exciting than many of the main dishes, so grab a booth, order a shake, and try as many as you can.