Food & Drink

Nestled in the heart of Champaign-Urbana, Masala Indian House promises a culinary adventure through the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. We had a weeknight dinner at Masala Indian House with a large group of adults …

On April 1st, most words on the internet should not be trusted, but I promise no foolish pranks here. My list of things to eat or drink in Champaign-Urbana this month only includes seriously delicious …

This year’s March Tournament has been total madness. Over the last two weeks, Smile Politely readers have voted on incredible local eats and drinks in head-to-head battles for the 2024 Food & Drink Championship. The …

Adventurous is not a word I would use to describe myself. I’m risk averse. I drive the speed limit, and signal when no other cars are present. I say excuse me after I sneeze, even …

My husband and I boomeranged back to the past for lunch on a Friday at Boomerangs, located off Philo on Washington Street in East Urbana. And just like I remembered from back in the good old …

Along with bird song, crocuses, and longer days, my willingness to spend — or glee towards spending — extra time outside the house heralds the quickly returning spring. What better way to bask in the tolerable …

I never made it out to the original location of Brothers Bar & Grill on Green Street before it closed suddenly a few years ago. From friends who did go to the Champaign Brothers, they …

If I’ve learned anything from the national, annual March Madness sportsball tournament, it’s that people love a good competition. Me, too. What’s not to love about a battle of The Best? Every year, Smile Politely‘s …

The Illini Union food and drink scene has seen some changes in recent years. I used to eat at the Union about once a week, and believe me, it was hopping with Wendy’s, Blaze, Qdoba, Chick-Fil-A, …

Manzella’s Italian Patio just marked 64 years in business, and the restaurant has all the signs of a well-loved family-operated business. I had been once before, pre-COVID, and decided to check them out again with …

I am a big fan of noodles. I like all kinds, but there’s something special about stir-fried noodles in pad Thai. Those flat noodles with crushed peanuts and that sauce is so yum. Despite many …

Nestled next to the CU Flower House and Old Time Meat & Deli, Hunny Bunny Bakes has made cakes for the community for several years, both in and outside of the current storefront back when …

Those who live in or frequent the Champaign-Urbana area may know about Garcia’s Pizza in a Pan — or maybe not. If I’m being honest, the pizza place has flown under my radar fully until …

The month of March always throws me for a loop. Spring break is smack-dab in the middle of March, and then there’s that stupid spring-forward daylight savings time adjustment, and then wow, the holidays; it’s …

I don’t venture to Mahomet very often, so I couldn’t believe that the absolute gem that is Lucky Moon Pies and More existed only ten minutes from my house and I had never been before. …

Cravings, at 603 South Wright Street, Champaign, is clearly a favorite for U of I students, and it quickly became a favorite of ours, too, after our delicious dinner at the restaurant. We don’t venture …

Beyond a secret entrance that also requires a secret password, Bakery & Pickle serves modern farm-to-table cuisine in Downtown Bloomington. Over the weekend, I went for the first time with my family, and it was …

As a new correspondent for Smile Politely, I would like to (re)acquaint you with one of my local favorites, Spoon House Korean Kitchen. Opened in 2010, Spoon House is one of the mainstays on Green …

When Alexander’s Steakhouse closed in Champaign, many people including myself were extremely disappointed. It was a wonderful long-time staple of a restaurant. When news broke that a new Mexican restaurant was taking Alexander’s spot at …

Want to buy some cannabis? In the United States, 38 states have legalized cannabis for medical use and 24 for recreational use including Illinois. In our twin cities of Champaign-Urbana, we have four dispensaries each …

This time of year, eating fish on Fridays is a whole thing. In Champaign-Urbana, if we get a hankering for fish on a Friday, where to go? We’ve published a few fish lists over the …

I have to start this off with a disclaimer: I am a hot pot newbie. In fact, being a non-expert, I was worried about my review, but I figured if I was nervous about trying …

I don’t mean to brag, but I’m pretty experienced when it comes to eating chocolate. Decades upon decades, I’ve been enjoying chocolate. Growing up, I picked the same flavor for my birthday cake year after …

Old Time Meat and Deli in Southwest Champaign is probably the most unassuming space in the area. Not just in location, but in atmosphere. It’s not until customers speak to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, feast …

Happy February, Happy Black History Month, and Happy Leap Year Month-That-We-Leap! This month, my list of things to eat in Champaign-Urbana covers five things that will make you leap for joy — oof, it’s good …

For my first ever Restaurant Week article, I decided on Sticky Rice in Downtown Champaign. Partially because I’ve never been there before and also because I’ve been a vegetarian for a little while now, and …

“You want a music editor to write about food?” I asked. This might be more pressure than I bargained for since joining Smile Politely as Music Editor last February. Alyssa assured me it wasn’t a …

Listen, I don’t need any sort of special reason to drop into Watson’s Shack & Rail for dinner. It’s a McClure family staple. It’s difficult to conjure a miss in any of the too-many-to-count times …

Recently, I checked out a new spot in Champaign: Afghan Cuisine Restaurant. This new year has brought a lot of cold and snow. With all the treacherous roads, and windy weather, going out to eat can …

The lights are always on at Neil Street’s classic diner, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Stop in for late night milkshakes, breakfast for dinner, or a classic burger and …

Even bitterly cold temperatures and screeching winds couldn’t stop me from trying out a new ice cream place in town! With the first location started in Mahomet in 2021, The Main Scoop expanded to Monticello …

I love tacos, and in my opinion, there’s nothing not to love about a taco. A warm corn tortilla stuffed with meat, onions, and cilantro can hit so hard. Especially paired with chips and margaritas. …