The Absolute Best Brunch in Champaign [Updated 2024]

From eggs benedict to bottomless mimosas, I've tried it all. After countless Sundays spent brunching with friends and family, I've narrowed down the top 12 spots for the best brunch in Champaign.

Whether you're in the mood for sweet or savory, casual or fancy, there's something on this list for everyone. So sit back, relax, and prepare to satisfy your brunch cravings at one of these amazing Champaign restaurants.

Neil St. Blues

Highlights
Fried chicken
Fresh food
Crab cakes
Spinach dip
Fast service

Upon arriving, I was pleasantly greeted by the friendly staff who quickly seated me. As I perused the menu, I couldn't help but notice that they had some unique and creative brunch options that caught my eye.

I decided to start with their famous spinach dip, which was creamy and rich in flavor. The freshness of the ingredients was palpable, making it clear that Neil St. Blues takes pride in serving only the freshest food.

For my main course, I opted for their fried chicken and crab cakes. The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it one of the best fried chickens I have ever tasted! The crab cakes were also a standout dish; they were perfectly seasoned and had just enough kick to leave me wanting more.

The service was exceptional - fast and efficient without being intrusive. It's rare to find a place where you can enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace while not feeling rushed.

Overall, Neil St. Blues is definitely one of my top picks for brunch spots in Champaign. If you're looking for delicious food served with exceptional service, then this is definitely a place worth checking out!

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Maize at the Station

Highlights
Fresh blue corn tortillas
Queso Fondito with Chorizo
Beef Birria Tacos
Reasonable prices
High-quality salsa

First of all, let me just say that Maize at the Station has some of the freshest and most delicious brunch options in Champaign. The highlight for me was definitely the fresh blue corn tortillas - they were soft, flavorful, and perfectly complemented every dish.

One dish that stood out to me was the Queso Fondito with Chorizo. It's a cheesy and savory dish that will satisfy your cravings for something warm and gooey. And if you're looking for some meatier options, I highly recommend trying the Beef Birria Tacos - they were tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

But what really impressed me about Maize at the Station was their pricing. For such high-quality food, their prices are more than reasonable. You can enjoy a filling brunch without breaking the bank.

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to their salsa - it's absolutely top-notch. It's fresh, spicy, and pairs perfectly with any of their dishes.

Overall, Maize at the Station is an excellent spot for brunch in Champaign. With fresh tortillas, savory dishes like Queso Fondito with Chorizo and Beef Birria Tacos, reasonable prices, and high-quality salsa – it will surely satisfy your hunger cravings while leaving you feeling satisfied!

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Watson's Shack & Rail

Highlights
Waffles and chicken
Juicy and crunchy chicken
Unique spice blend
Funny and welcoming staff

First of all, let me just say that if you're a fan of waffles and chicken, Watson's Shack & Rail is the place to be. Their signature dish, the waffles and chicken, is an absolute delight for your taste buds. The chicken is juicy and crunchy at the same time, giving it a unique texture that I've never had before in other brunch places.

What makes Watson's Shack & Rail stand out from the rest is their unique spice blend. It adds a whole new dimension to their dishes that will leave you wanting more. The combination of spices was so good that I even asked the staff about it, but they kept it as their little secret.

Speaking of staff, the funny and welcoming folks at Watson's Shack & Rail made my dining experience even better. They were polite and attentive throughout my meal, making sure everything was perfect.

Overall, I would highly recommend Watson's Shack & Rail for anyone looking for a fun, wacky, yet still professional brunch spot in Champaign. Trust me; you won't regret trying out their amazing waffles and chicken!

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Le Peep

Highlights
Many options
Delicious food
Generous portions
Reasonable prices

Let me start by saying that the menu at Le Peep is extensive, making it hard to decide what to order. But don't worry, because whatever you choose will be delicious. I ordered the eggs benedict with smoked salmon and it was so good that I actually left my manners at home and licked the plate clean.

The portions at Le Peep are definitely not for the faint of heart - they're generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest person. If you're looking for a meal that will keep you full until dinner, this is the place for you.

One thing that really stood out to me about Le Peep was their reasonable prices. You can enjoy a scrumptious brunch without breaking the bank. And who doesn't love saving money?

Overall, Le Peep is a great option for brunch in Champaign. The food is top-notch, there are plenty of options to choose from, and you won't have to spend an arm and a leg. Just make sure you come hungry!

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Farmhouse Restaurant

Highlights
Local ingredients
Relaxing environment
Fresh and flavorful food

First off, I must say that the ambiance at Farmhouse was just what I needed on a lazy Sunday morning. The relaxing environment made me feel like I had escaped the hustle and bustle of the city, and had been transported to a cozy farm. The decor was charming with rustic touches.

But let's get to the most important thing - the food! Farmhouse boasts of using local ingredients, which instantly caught my attention. And boy, did it live up to my expectations! The menu had a great selection of classic brunch dishes with a twist, and everything was fresh and flavorful.

I started with their homemade scones which were served warm with butter and jam. The scones were light, flaky, and melted in my mouth. I then moved on to their eggs benedict which was cooked to perfection - perfectly poached eggs on top of Canadian bacon and toasted English muffin with hollandaise sauce. It was so good that I couldn't resist ordering another round!

Overall, if you're looking for a place that serves delicious brunch made from local ingredients in a relaxing environment, then definitely give Farmhouse Restaurant a try!

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Merry Ann's Diner (Original)

Highlights
French Toast Combo
Friendly Service
Delicious Pancakes
Authentic Diner

As I stepped into Merry Ann's, I was immediately hit with a wave of nostalgia. The interior decor was reminiscent of classic diners from the 1950s. Not only that, but the service was also friendly and prompt - something that is often overlooked in restaurants today.

When it came to the food, I ordered their French Toast Combo which turned out to be a work of art on a plate. The toast slices were thick and fluffy, with a perfect golden brown color on the outside. The combo came with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs which complemented the sweetness of the French toast perfectly.

I can't forget to mention Merry Ann's delicious pancakes as well! They were light, fluffy, and had just the right amount of sweetness without being too overpowering.

Overall, my experience at Merry Ann's Diner (Original) was amazing. It truly embodied what an authentic diner should be like - delicious food served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for the best brunch in Champaign.

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Sam's Cafe

Highlights
Local favorite
Delicious food
Great customer service
Serves breakfast all day long
Perfectly prepared dishes

As soon as I walked in, I could tell this place was a local favorite. The atmosphere was buzzing and the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. The menu had a wide variety of options, but I was there for brunch, so I decided to try their breakfast dishes.

Let me tell you, the food at Sam's Cafe is simply delicious. Every dish that came out looked like it was perfectly prepared with attention to detail. The pancakes were fluffy and light while the eggs were cooked to perfection. They even serve breakfast all day long!

However, what really stood out to me was the great customer service. Our server was friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive or overbearing.

Overall, Sam's Cafe is a fantastic spot for brunch in Champaign. From the mouth-watering food to the welcoming atmosphere and perfectly prepared dishes, they truly have it all! So if you're looking for a brunch spot that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy, look no further than Sam's Cafe- Your taste buds will thank you!

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The C-U Original Pancake House

Highlights
Individual attention
Expansive menu
Delicious pancakes
Free parking
Heated, sanitized seats

First of all, their attention to each individual customer is commendable. The staff greeted me with a warm smile and were very attentive throughout my meal. The menu itself was quite expansive, offering a wide range of dishes for brunch enthusiasts like myself.

Now, let's talk about the most important part - the food! I have to say, their pancakes were truly delicious. They were fluffy, light and had just the right amount of sweetness. I also appreciated the fact that they offered a variety of toppings, making it easier for me to customize my order.

One thing that really impressed me was the free parking available right outside the restaurant. It's always a bummer when you have to circle around the block in search of parking before your meal - but not at The C-U Original Pancake House!

Lastly, I want to mention their heated and sanitized seats which added an extra level of comfort during my visit. It's refreshing to see restaurants taking health and safety measures seriously.

Overall, I had a great experience at The C-U Original Pancake House and would definitely recommend it as one of Champaign's best brunch spots.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Chicago Magnificent Mile.

Houlihan's

Highlights
Relaxing ambiance
Phenomenal food
Great atmosphere
Recommended dishes

Upon entering, the relaxing ambiance immediately caught my attention. Soft music played in the background while guests chatted away, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I was seated promptly by the friendly staff who were extremely attentive throughout my visit.

Now onto the main event: the food. All I can say is wow! The menu had a variety of options that made it difficult to decide what to order, but I went with their recommended dishes: eggs benedict and their famous cinnamon brioche French toast. Both dishes were phenomenal and exceeded my expectations.

The eggs benedict was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of hollandaise sauce drizzled on top. The dish came with a side of crispy hash browns that added an extra layer of texture and flavor.

As for the French toast, it was served with fresh berries and whipped cream on top, making each bite feel indulgent yet light at the same time. It's no wonder this dish is famous!

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Houlihan's for brunch if you're looking for a great atmosphere and phenomenal food. Don't forget to try their recommended dishes – you won't regret it!

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Four American Grill - Four Breakfast & More

Highlights
Great food quality and consistency
Pleasant atmosphere with friendly staff
Spectacular fish wrap
Quick service
Yummy yogurt bowls

Upon entering the restaurant, I was greeted by the friendly staff which instantly created a welcoming atmosphere. As I perused through the menu, I noticed a variety of delicious options ranging from classic breakfast dishes to unique and exciting creations.

I ordered the spectacular fish wrap, and boy oh boy was it heavenly! The fish was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning, and the wrap had an enjoyable crunch to it. To top it off, the flavor combination was out of this world.

One thing that really stood out during my visit was the great food quality and consistency. Every dish that I saw come out of the kitchen looked delectable and perfectly prepared. Not only that, but my meal came out quickly which is always appreciated when you're hungry.

Additionally, Four American Grill - Four Breakfast & More offers some yummy yogurt bowls which are perfect for those looking for a lighter option.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out this spot if you're on the hunt for Champaign's best brunches. With its pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff, quick service, and mouth-watering dishes - Four American Grill - Four Breakfast & More surely won't disappoint!

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Sammy's Pancake House

Highlights
Great service
Delicious food
Huge menu
Friendly staff

First of all, let me tell you that the service at Sammy's Pancake House is top-notch. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, making my brunch experience even more enjoyable. They were attentive without being overbearing, which allowed me to sit back and relax while I perused their huge menu.

Speaking of the menu, it's no exaggeration when I say that Sammy's has something for everyone. From classic pancakes to omelets and skillets, they've got it all. I opted for the pancakes because after all, this is a pancake house! And boy, was I not disappointed. They were fluffy, buttery, and simply delicious.

But what really sets Sammy's apart from other brunch spots in Champaign is their attention to detail. From the presentation of the food to the quality of ingredients used, everything was top-notch.

Overall, if you're looking for a great brunch spot in Champaign with delicious food and great service, look no further than Sammy's Pancake House. Just make sure to bring your appetite because their portions are generous!

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Cracked the Egg Came First

Highlights
Quick breakfast near Union
Delicious Vegasm breakfast sandwich
Freshly made decaf coffee
Tasty sweet potato tots available
Perfectly cooked takeout food

First of all, if you're looking for a quick breakfast spot near the Union, this is definitely the place to go. The service was friendly and efficient, which is always appreciated when I'm hungry and in need of caffeine.

Now let's talk about the food. I tried their famous Vegasm breakfast sandwich which was absolutely delicious! The combination of avocado, egg, spinach and tomato on an English muffin was simply heavenly. To accompany my meal, I had a freshly made decaf coffee that hit the spot.

But wait, there's more! If you're a fan of sweet potato tots like myself, then you'll be happy to know they are available here and they did not disappoint. They were perfectly cooked and seasoned just right.

Even though I ordered takeout due to time constraints, my food was still hot and fresh when I arrived at my destination. This just goes to show how well they pay attention to detail when it comes to their takeout orders.

Overall, Cracked the Egg Came First is definitely one of the best brunch spots in Champaign that you don't want to miss out on. So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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