The Daily Illini: Best of C-U 2022

editor’s note

It is my greatest excitement to pres ent this year’s edition of buzz’s tradi tional paper: Best of C-U 2022. This edition is one that The Daily Illini’s staff have been looking forward to writing, editing and publishing, and it is a special opportunity for those who have won in their respective categories.

We hope that you find your place among the favorites that have been selected with the help of those who call C-U their home. After another long year, we wish that all those who are reading, as well as those who have been chosen as the best in their cat egory, find unity and comfort in the C-U community.

How to contact us

The Daily Illini is located in the base ment of the University YMCA at 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

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KYLIE CORRAL BUZZ EDITOR

THE DAILY ILLINI

1001 S. Wright St. Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 337-8300

Best of C-U has become a cherished tradition in the Champaign-Urbana community, one where students and locals in the area get together to vote for their favorite places and reveal the hidden gems of the C-U area each and every year. The communi ty comes together quite frequently, and proof of that can be found in the votes tallied for each category.

The Daily Illini is the independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The newspaper is published by the Illini Media Co. The Daily Illini does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois administration, faculty or students.

All Illini Media Co. and/or The Daily Illini articles, photos and graphics are the property of Illini Media and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the publisher.

Thank you to those who voted in support of local businesses and com munity spots this year. This collabo ration is one that is definitely worth celebrating as the years keep com ing, and we’re happy to be here for it. Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Best of C-U!

kyliemc2@dailyillini.com

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Corrections: When we make a mistake, we will correct it in this place. We strive for accuracy, so if you see an error, please contact Editor-in-Chief Heath er Robinson at (217) 337-8365 or email editor@dailyillini.com.

table of contents

food & drink

best drink 5 best Indian food 5 best burger 6 best drunk food 6 best pizza place 7 best Asian cuisine 8 best food truck 8 best bubble tea 9 best milkshake 9 best Mexican food 10

campus

best place to meet new people 13 best house show venue 13 best bathroom 14 best study spot 14 best library 15 best bus stop 16 best place to cry 16 best date spot 17 best on-campus bar 17

best restaurant to bring your parents 20 best kept secret 20 best local band 21 best music venue 21 best tattoo shop 22 best off-campus bar 22 best thrift store 23 best bookstore 23

best drink: Blue Guy

By Faith Allendorf Managing Editor for Reporting

Not synonymous with the Blue Man Group, the signature drink of the popular on-campus bar KAMS reigns superior over all alcoholic beverages in Champaign-Urbana: the one and only Blue Guy.

Made of one shot of vodka and four to five ounces of a blue-raspberry energy drink called Bam!, Blue Guys are a sugary, flavorful and iconic addition to a night out at the bars.

The energy drink is super sweet, and unless your bartender is being generous, the alcohol is barely dis tinguishable from the Bam! that it’s mixed with. The blue-raspberry drink will also turn your tongue blue within the first couple of sips, making for a great and memorable picture.

Blue Guys are also synonymous with “icing out,” which is where you take all of the ice out of your drink

and chug the beverage. It’s kind of gross, but a ritual nonetheless. You can’t ice out with a High Noon or any other canned drink, which makes a Blue Guy all the more iconic.

It’s typical for college campus bars to have a signature drink, and Blue Guys are so iconic that there are typi cally deals for them throughout the week.

During the weekend, Blue Guys are usually $5, but on Mondays when students 21 and over pay no cover to get in, the drink is sometimes $2. Blue Guys for $2 are also sometimes available during the day, as well as during special events such as Dads Weekend.

So, if you’re looking for an iconic Illini beverage that will make memo ries — or make you forget memories — the Illini Blue Guy is the way to go. And don’t forget to “ice out.”

faithaa2@dailyillini.com

2nd: Kohinoor Indian Restaurant

3rd: Bombay Indian Grill

best Indian food: The Himalayan Chimney

By A. Oishii Basu Staff Writer

Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, Himalayan Chimney gives many Indian American residents a taste of home while providing others with an authentic culinary experience.

The bistro offers a wide variety of cuisines from across India. Presenting patrons with flavors beyond the Himalayas provides a range of entrees that are friendly to dietary restrictions. From goat biryani to tandoori chicken to paneer korma, there are options for almost everyone.

Its diversity in dishes has attracted many people, and the restaurant is one of the only spots in Champaign-Urbana with traditional South Indian food like dosas and madras.

Along with having an array of regions and fares, dishes at Himalayan Chimney also include varying degrees

of spice. These dishes maintain their classic savor in a contemporary presen tation, as does the bistro itself.

Entering the restaurant, customers are presented with an interior lined in dark red wood and dispersed lights that hang from the ceiling provide a warm ambience. Front and center, there is a mantle to a painted idol of Ganesh and other prominent Hindu deities. Portraits of Buddha and landscapes of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen on the walls. Interweaving these pieces into this modern look showcases the culture that this food comes from.

On the corner of Randolph and West Church streets, the restaurant effec tively brings the vast customs and deli cacies of the many regions of India to C-U. It’s no wonder that Himalayan Chimney is the spot chosen for best Indian food.

KATHLEEN FINDLAY THE DAILY ILLINI

best burger: Farren’s Pub

By Caroline Sweeney Staff Writer

Sometimes, part of what makes a good burger is the atmosphere in which you devour it. This year, Farren’s Pub & Eatery has been voted as the best burger in Champaign-Urbana.

Located at 117 N. Walnut St. in downtown Champaign, Farren’s Pub has a couple options for indoor seating that include a bar, as well as outdoor seating. You can also order ahead online and pick up your food to-go.

With eight different kinds of chees es, four types of patties and four options for sides, you get the 10 list ed burgers on the menu, plus the abil ity to modify based on dietary needs or personal preference.

If you find yourself at Farren’s Pub with an empty stomach, you can start off your meal with some well-done appetizers, including cheese curds, nachos and fried avocado slices.

This local small business strives to create a positive atmosphere for everyone who comes in. None of the pub’s servers are assigned to any specific table, so any table can ask anyone for help, and they’ll gladly oblige. This creates a more comfort ing experience that is perfect for enjoying a phenomenal burger.

You can be the most adventurous eater — or the pickiest eater — and still be able to find the burger best suited for you. Head over to down town Champaign to get the best burg er at Farren’s Pub & Eatery.

cs103@dailyillini.com

2nd: Big Grove Tavern

3rd: Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

JACOB SLABOSZ THE DAILY ILLINI

best drunk food: Burrito King

By Alexis Ramirez Staff Writer

There are few restaurants in Cam pustown that remain open past 10 p.m. to serve the inebriated crowds that exit the bars along Green Street. Burrito King Mexican Grill has been vot ed as the favorite option among them for the second year in a row. This res taurant’s flavors are still able to shine through patrons’ sense of taste even when they’re drunk.

Burrito King’s brick-and-mortar restaurant is located on Green Street between Fourth and Fifth streets. It offers a wide selection of traditional Mexican food — including quesadil las, enchiladas, fajitas and specialty dishes. It is open Monday through

Saturday from 11 to 3 a.m.

The Burrito King food trucks offer a more limited menu, featuring fan favorites that are optimal for eating on the go or while standing outside. These include tacos, tortas, quesadil las, burritos and the signature “King Nachos.”

The truck that parks at the Cir cle K at the intersection of First and Green streets — across the street from KAMS — has extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Since it opens when most restaurants are clos ing for the night, it serves food from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., which is the perfect time range for those who are drunk and in need of a perfect meal.

Papa Del’s Pizza Factory

By Alexis Ramirez Staff Writer

Papa Del’s Pizza Factory is a wellknown C-U favorite for its iconic pizza. Although its winning streak was briefly interrupted in 2021 by Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas, the family-owned res taurant has won the “Best Pizza” cat egory for the Best of C-U four times in the last five years.

The restaurant was founded by Rob ert Monti while he was a student at the University. The pizzeria relocated and opened additional locations multiple times before settling on one: the for mer Coca-Cola bottling plant on South Neil Street. Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by Monti’s daugh ter, Andrea Seten.

“That’s awesome that students are still realizing that Papa Del’s is the pizza they want,” Seten said.

Papa Del’s offers thin-crust, stuffedcrust and pan pizza with a total of 18 topping options. Seten said sau sage is the most popular topping, and

thin-crust and pan pizzas are equally popular.

Whole pizzas range in size from small to party. Pan pizza is offered by the slice daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Its menu also features pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, soups and start ers, breads and desserts.

Seten said the restaurant’s legacy, the use of high-quality ingredients and the generous application of toppings are the qualities that set Papa Del's apart from its competition.

“It’s the legacy of, you know, ‘I went to school here in the '70s,’” Seten said.

“And then their kids come here, and then their kids come here.”

Seten said the sausage used at Papa Del’s is freshly ground three times a week. There’s more than two pounds of cheese on a party size pizza and more than one pound on a large.

“We put a lot of toppings on there,” Seten said. “If you order sausage on your pizza, you’re not gonna miss it.”

alexisr5@dailyillini.com

CADEN BARGOWSKI THE DAILY ILLINI

By Willie Cui News Editor

You enter, you order and you’re giv en a small stub with your order num ber — that’s how it works at Bangkok Thai, assuming you’re lucky enough, and there isn’t a line, as is often the case.

Nestled under a Bankier Apart ments building at 410 E. Green St., Bangkok Thai Restaurant & Pho 911 is a well-known and popular staple of Campustown, earning it’s place as the best Asian cuisine on campus as voted by the Champaign-Urbana commu nity. Both students and locals enjoy spending their time at this restau rant, which champions Bangkok Thai as number one.

The restaurant also recently opened

a second location at 1104 N. Cunning ham Ave. in Urbana, providing more locations for fans of the dishes Bang kok Thai provides.

Bangkok Thai is known for serving a variety of Thai dishes — from vari ous curries to soups, salads, noodles and other menu items. For spicy dish es, the restaurant offers six levels of spiciness — from spicy level one to level six, bringing flexibility to the cuisine they serve.

Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week, Bangkok Thai serves food for both takeout and dining in, with its central location on Green Street providing the best and most convenient access to Thai cuisine here in C-U.

williec2@dailyillini.com

best Asian cuisine: Bangkok Thai best food truck: Maize

2nd: Golden Harbor

3rd: Siam Terrace

DANIEL ZHOU THE DAILY ILLINI

By Odeth Rubio Staff Writer

Hispanic food seems to be a favorite in the Champaign-Urbana community, with various restaurants offering cul tured dishes. It makes sense — Hispanic food is extremely widespread and loved in popular culture because of its delicious and distinct cuisine and beverages.

Maize Mexican Grill has three dif ferent locations in the C-U area, but one of them is mobile and has been chosen as the best food truck by area voters.

The food truck offers Mexican dish es that are crowd favorites, such as tacos, quesadillas and burritos, but there is also much more, like tostadas, sopes and tortas. If you’re looking for a snack, they offer the timeless treat of guacamole and chips.

The food truck also offers various Mexican beverages like horchata, Jar ritos and Topo Chico, as well as oth er drinks, such as canned soda, Red Bull and coffee. A new addition to the menu is the Maize Ice Coffee, a mix of horchata and cold brew.

odethr2@dailyillini.com

best milkshake: Jarling’s

By Lucy Bridges Staff Writer

Jarling’s Custard Cup was voted as having the best milkshake in Cham paign-Urbana this year. Located on Kirby Avenue, Jarling’s serves up countless flavors of creamy custard for students at the University, as well as the C-U community.

Jarling’s opened its doors to the pub lic in 1983, and to this day, it contin ues to be a popular dessert destina tion among University students and locals. The options for sweet treats are endless at Jarling’s, and although it is famous for novelty sundaes and snowstorms, the sweet drinks are what catch the eye of avid ice cream connoisseurs.

Customers can pick from a variety of floats, malts, slushies and, of course, milkshakes. The Jarling’s milkshake captured the attention of many with its creamy and smooth texture, as well as its sweet, sugar-filled flavor.

Customers can customize their milk

shakes, choosing from traditional fla vors such as vanilla, chocolate, straw berry, lemon or the flavor of the week. Jarling’s featured flavor changes week ly — this last month included cappucci no, Georgia peach, orange and cherry. Their homemade custard recipes make the Jarling’s milkshake a truly one-of-a-kind treat. Although the cus tard is what attracts customers, the atmosphere of Jarling’s is what makes the experience memorable.

With a walk-up window for placing an order and large glass windows for watching the product being made, Jar ling’s makes an interactive experience out of buying ice cream.

College students, children, par ents and grandparents love to gather around the wooden picnic tables out side of the establishment and enjoy their sweet treats.

Although popular during the warm er months, Jarling’s fans in C-U can enjoy the creamy custard year round.

lucyjb2@dailyillini.com

best bubble tea: Kung Fu Tea

By Vivian La Assistant News Editor

Bubble tea — also known as boba milk tea, pearl tea, tapioca or simply boba — is a favorite among both University students and local residents. The tea drink originated in Taiwan during the early 1980s and made its way to the U.S. about a decade later. Bubble tea was popularized in California before the craze spread throughout the coun try as East Asian communities grew, and Champaign-Urbana is no exception.

The question of which place has the best bubble tea remains a popular dis cussion topic among students. This year, Kung Fu Tea defended its title for the second year in a row.

As the country’s largest bubble tea brand with over 350 stores nationwide, KFT’s menu boasts colorful combina tions of fruit, slush, classic teas and a variety of toppings.

KFT routinely introduces new drinks, including ones inspired by characters like Kirby or the Minions from “Despi cable Me.” In 2018, the store’s found ers started National Bubble Tea Day to celebrate “the beverage that has made our lives bubblier,” according to their website.

Located at Green and Sixth streets, the bubble tea shop has a cozy atmosphere where people can be found play ing a board game or lounging in the wooden booths.

A combination of pop, lo-fi or R&B can be heard from the speakers and combines with the sounds of mixing tea machines and employees calling out orders.

The store is bustling and crowded throughout the day, but the lines are worth it for a taste of Champaign-Urba na’s best bubble tea.

SYDNEY LAPUT

Mexican Grill

By Alexis Ramirez Staff Writer

Maize Mexican Grill remains unde feated in the category of “Best Mexi can Food.” The restaurant is owned and operated by Armando Sandoval and his wife. Sandoval was born in Mexico City and grew up on a small farm in the state of Guerrero, Mexi co. He arrived in Champaign to study sociology at the University in hopes of becoming a teacher.

When Sandoval experienced health problems in 2010, he returned to Champaign with the goal of continu ing his studies or starting a business.

Tortillas at Maize are handmade, as they are in rural Mexico. The items on the Maize menu — tacos, gorditas and tlacoyos — are staples of street food in the Mexican capital.

“I don’t presume to reinvent Mexi can food,” Sandoval said. “Mexican

food is like soul food. The recipes are the same. Everybody has their interpretation of them. So, for me, this is my interpretation.”

Sandoval said the beef birria tacos are the trending menu item at the moment. For first-time patrons, San doval recommended the pork “taco Mexica.”

Sandoval said the restaurant has given him the opportunity to con nect with the community and be the teacher he had wanted to be for the young people who work with him.

“It’s a blessing,” Sandoval said. “I’m very thankful. I guess I never imagined that I would be able to be part of this community and then be recognized in that way. You know, it’s a testament of all the hardwork ing people that have gone through Maize.”

alexisr5@dailyillini.com

JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI

best vegetarian food: Bread Company

By Kylie Corral buzz Editor

There’s nothing like finding your self at one of the tables inside the well-loved restaurant known as the Bread Company.

As a college student, or even as a part of the larger C-U community, there’s something special about sit ting amongst the crowd at The Bread Company. The atmosphere is cozy and comforting, and there’s never a time when there isn’t the good-natured buzz of talking and laughing in the air.

With The Bread Company being vot ed as the best vegetarian food, there’s no denying the delicious options that this restaurant offers. There is a menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which includes dishes ranging from sandwiches, pizza, pasta and soups.

The Bread Company also has plenty

2nd: Espresso Royale

3rd: Cafe Kopi

of seating if you are looking to dine in. You can find a seat near the win dow, or you can wait on your food fur ther into the restaurant where more tables have been placed both on the ground floor and also just up a flight of stairs. It’s the perfect place to take a break to eat and study or maybe even bring a few friends for a small get-together.

Located at 706 S. Goodwin Ave., The Bread Company is right in the heart of campus — just a five-minute walk from the Main Quad.

The Bread Company is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Don’t miss out on the best vegetarian food when you’re in C-U and make your way over to the fan-favorite restaurant.

kyliemc2@dailyillini.com

2nd: Red Herring 3rd: Signature Grill

best coffee: Caffe Paradiso

By Caroline Sweeney Staff Writer

Caffe Paradiso has taken the title of the best coffee in Champaign-Urba na. While the cafe is well known for its delicious coffee, it also has a won derful atmosphere, making it a place where students and locals alike love to study and spend time. The combina tion of energizing coffee and charm ing decor makes Caffe Paradiso a per fect place to be.

If you find yourself craving a sweet or savory snack, the cafe offers a wide variety of options. You can choose from build-your-own sandwiches, bagels and a variety of pastries in its dessert case, giving you an option for whatever mood you’re in.

If you like your coffee a little more on the sweet side, Caffe Para diso offers a multitude of different

flavors. The cafe also serves classic coffee drinks such as lattes and hot macchiatos.

Another thing that makes Caffe Paradiso so different is the unique seating. There are different kinds of chairs, tables and benches to choose from. The tables vary in size from two seaters to tables that can fit up to seven or eight.

There is even outdoor seating so you can enjoy your warm coffee in the fall breeze or an iced coffee in the blaz ing summer.

Caffe Paradiso is located on 801 S. Lincoln Ave. If you’re in need of a quality cup of joe, head on over to the Urbana side of campus. If you have time, stick around and study for a bit, hang out with your friends or just sip your coffee and enjoy the vibes.

CADEN BARGOWSKI THE DAILY ILLINI

best fine dining: Hamilton Walker’s

By Kylie Corral buzz Editor

If it’s fine dining you’re looking for, the Champaign-Urbana com munity has spoken on what is the best place for students and locals alike. The votes are in, and the result is clear: Hamilton Walker’s is this year’s choice for the best fine din ing in the area.

Founded by Champaign residents, this steakhouse brings a vintage feel to a modern restaurant. Whether you’re out on a first date, meeting your friends and family for a fun evening or even dining alone, this is the best place to go if you are a con noisseur of food.

Located at 201 N. Neil St. in Cham paign, Hamilton Walker’s provides

customers with a memorable din ner menu including, but not limited to, various kinds of delicious steak, savory seafood, soups, salads and more. There is also a separate drink menu for those interested, as well as a kids menu for families that wish to visit.

Hamilton Walker’s also provides reservations for those who are plan ning ahead for an important night. If you’re looking to get a table for you and your party, this is the place for you.

Fine dining that is loved univer sally is always hard to find, but here in the C-U community, the very best can be found just a drive away at Hamilton Walker’s.

kyliemc2@dailyillni.com

By Odeth Rubio Staff Writer

Many establishments offer dough nuts throughout the ChampaignUrbana area, but Pandamonium Doughnuts’ special treats earned it the title of best doughnuts in C-U, setting it apart from the rest of the pack.

Pandamonium Doughnuts’ color ful menu offers a myriad of unique doughnuts to choose from. You can find distinctive treats such as Cereal Killer, which is a playful name for a doughnut that is covered in cereal flakes.

Other flavors such as double coco

Silvercreek 3rd: Nando Milano

2nd:

best doughnut: Pandamonium

nut, thin mint, cookies and cream, raspberry rose, gingerbread and many more are also avalible. No matter the occasion, Pandamonium Doughnuts is a great place to pick up a snack and more.

When stopping by the shop, you can also pick up beverages and coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos and various flavors of iced coffee.

Though their selection is not lim ited to doughnuts, Pandamonium Doughnuts remains true to its name, outshining competitors with the best doughnuts the C-U community has to offer.

odethr2@dailyillini.com

SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

best house show: Waluigi’s Mansion

By Sydney Wood Staff Writer

Established in 2018, Waluigi’s Man sion has hosted countless acts at its house near downtown Urbana. From Kangaroo Court, Soft and Dumb, Tele phone Junkies and Friko, it’s safe to say the house show venue is adept at hosting a plethora of performers.

Ryan Waldinger, senior in ACES and one of the house organizers, described Waluigi’s Mansion as having a “real ly, really fun environment” that cre ates a feeling of community among its concertgoers.

“I think it’s awesome that I get to live in this area and the community, and — outside of students — every body here that’s a local is super open to letting us do these things … (they’re) just really great people,” he

said.

Waldinger said it means a lot to him and the other organizers to be acknowledged for their hard work in organizing the shows.

“We work really hard to put the shows on, and we try to do our best to make an environment that people appreciate and that artists can appre ciate and use for exposure,” he said.

“To get some exposure ourselves and to also, you know, be appreciated for it — it’s always awesome.”

Waldinger encouraged people who are interested in going to house shows to start getting involved.

“This sort of thing, the local music scene and house shows specifically, stays alive through word of mouth and passing things down” he said.

swood2@dailyillini.com

2nd: Spice Rack

3rd: The Powder Room

COURTESY OF @WALUIGISMANSION_CU

best place to meet new people:

House shows

By Odeth Rubio Staff Writer

When it comes to starting out on a new campus, it can be hard to meet new people and make connections out side of class. Trying to balance assign ments, deadlines, jobs and having a social life leaves little time for making new friends.

Looking to unwind? Voted as the best way to meet new people, house shows in Champaign-Urbana are a great way to experience local bands and what a college party venue can offer. Venues such as The Powder Room, Walguigi’s Mansion, The Spice Rack, Half House and more all provide year-round enter tainment that feature music, art expo sés and fashion highlights that show case the newest talents on the rise within the C-U community.

Each house show venue prides itself on the welcoming space it provides for its guests and featured artists, allow ing creativity to flow freely while peo ple enjoy the party atmosphere. Fea tured bands such as Kangaroo Court, The Knee Hi’s, Ship of Fools and Renaissance Man all share the stage and provide exciting new music for guests’ entertainment. For some fun, house shows provide a social experi ence that is definitely worth check ing out and adding to the house show experience.

Be sure to check out these venues on Instagram @thepowderroom_urbana, @waluigismansions_cu, @the_spicer ackofficial and @halfhouse.shows for more information and updates about upcoming events.

PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY OF

best house show: Waluigi’s Mansion

By Sydney Wood Staff Writer

Established in 2018, Waluigi’s Man sion has hosted countless acts at its house near downtown Urbana. From Kangaroo Court, Soft and Dumb, Tele phone Junkies and Friko, it’s safe to say the house show venue is adept at hosting a plethora of performers.

Ryan Waldinger, senior in ACES and one of the house organizers, described Waluigi’s Mansion as having a “real ly, really fun environment” that cre ates a feeling of community among its concertgoers.

“I think it’s awesome that I get to live in this area and the community, and — outside of students — every body here that’s a local is super open to letting us do these things … (they’re) just really great people,” he

said.

Waldinger said it means a lot to him and the other organizers to be acknowledged for their hard work in organizing the shows.

“We work really hard to put the shows on, and we try to do our best to make an environment that people appreciate and that artists can appre ciate and use for exposure,” he said.

“To get some exposure ourselves and to also, you know, be appreciated for it — it’s always awesome.”

Waldinger encouraged people who are interested in going to house shows to start getting involved.

“This sort of thing, the local music scene and house shows specifically, stays alive through word of mouth and passing things down” he said.

swood2@dailyillini.com

2nd: Spice Rack

3rd: The Powder Room

COURTESY OF @WALUIGISMANSION_CU

best place to meet new people:

House shows

By Odeth Rubio Staff Writer

When it comes to starting out on a new campus, it can be hard to meet new people and make connections out side of class. Trying to balance assign ments, deadlines, jobs and having a social life leaves little time for making new friends.

Looking to unwind? Voted as the best way to meet new people, house shows in Champaign-Urbana are a great way to experience local bands and what a college party venue can offer. Venues such as The Powder Room, Walguigi’s Mansion, The Spice Rack, Half House and more all provide year-round enter tainment that feature music, art expo sés and fashion highlights that show case the newest talents on the rise within the C-U community.

Each house show venue prides itself on the welcoming space it provides for its guests and featured artists, allow ing creativity to flow freely while peo ple enjoy the party atmosphere. Fea tured bands such as Kangaroo Court, The Knee Hi’s, Ship of Fools and Renaissance Man all share the stage and provide exciting new music for guests’ entertainment. For some fun, house shows provide a social experi ence that is definitely worth check ing out and adding to the house show experience.

Be sure to check out these venues on Instagram @thepowderroom_urbana, @waluigismansions_cu, @the_spicer ackofficial and @halfhouse.shows for more information and updates about upcoming events.

PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY OF

best bathroom: Siebel Center for Design

By Caroline Sweeney Staff Writer

You’re out and about when, all of a sudden, you find yourself in a situa tion where you need a bathroom, but it’s often hard to know where the good bathrooms are. According to the C-U community, the best bathroom can be found in the Siebel Center for Design.

It’s important to consider the factors that make a genuinely good bathroom. Those things are lighting, accessibility and foot traffic.

The lighting is great in these bath rooms, with nice white fluorescent lights and windows at the top that bring in the perfect amount of natu ral lighting.

Considering the location and foot traffic—the SCD is near the ARC, east of the Ikenberry Commons and Ath letics Stadiums—the actual building is not as crowded as one would think.

With less crowding and low traffic, this environment makes the bathrooms

at the SCD ideal because there is less of a wait.

Then there’s the accessibility of the bathroom itself. What’s automatic and what’s not? The bathrooms offer auto matic flushing, handicap stalls and automatic door switches. Although the rest is manual, these features make the bathrooms at the SCD much more available for students with different needs.

This bathroom has great lighting, easy accessibility and little to no wait, hence why it’s been voted the best bath room in all of C-U. It even offers an allgender bathroom, which makes this facility much more accommodating for everyone.

Located right outside the bathroom is a water fountain as well as a water fill station in case you need a refill, along side some vending machines for study snacks. If you find yourself near SCD and nature’s calling, head right on in.

cs103@dailyillini.com

2nd: Lincoln Hall

best study spot: ACES Library

By Lucy Bridges Staff Writer

At a university with nearly 35,000 undergraduate students and hundreds of buildings on campus, there are count less spots that people gravitate to when they need to study for exams, write essays or do homework.

However, the people of ChampaignUrbana voted the Funk Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Library, commonly known as the ACES Library, as the best study spot in C-U.

Conveniently located right off the South Quad and close to student res idents in Urbana, the ACES Library attracts students from all areas of study. There are four levels of work space, and the first three are dedicated to rows of books and study spaces, while the fourth level has laboratories and offices. In the ACES Library, there are countless areas to sit and have a study-filled work day.

The ACES Library has a unique archi

tectural structure of an octagonal shape that provides a 360-degree view of cam pus. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to shine through for stu dents studying in the daytime.

The ACES Library allows for a dynamic array of students’ study needs. Students who prefer silence while study ing can find a table or chair tucked in a quiet corner of the book shelves, while students who enjoy a more social and active study environment can settle at a desktop table or comfy leather chair near the center of the library.

Students can shuffle through the ACES Library before, between and after their classes to fulfill any of their study ing needs. With hundreds of books avail able for research purposes and dozens of unique and comfortable areas to sit, the ACES Library has won over the aca demic minds and hearts of students at the University.

lucyjb2@dailyillini.com

LOGAN HODSON THE DAILY ILLINI

best library: Grainger

By Marilyn MacLaren Assistant buzz Editor

The Grainger Engineering Library, located on the Bardeen Quadrangle, offers many different features and amenities that will fit any type of stu dent and their study needs. Whether it’s having a quiet, focused space to your self or working on a group project with friends, Grainger has officially been voted as the best library on campus. Looking to study with friends? Grainger offers many private study rooms that can be reserved for free, as well as TV monitors, whiteboards and split-screen desktop computers. Need to take a snack break? Located on the main floor is Espresso Royale, which serves coffee, tea and daily spe cials that are perfect for a anyone need ing caffeine boost when pulling an allnighter. Small tables and armchairs near the cafe offer a place to relax in between study sessions or to catch a

quick bite before heading to class. Having trouble concentrating? The second and third floors are specifical ly designated as quiet study spaces that have individual desks, spacious tables and a great view of the Bard een Quad. The layout of the second and third floors offer a lot of natural light that comes through and keeps the space feeling open and welcoming, which can be helpful when studying is stressing you out.

The basement, which includes the Computer-Based Testing Facility, or the CBTF, features more private study rooms, as well as food-friendly areas that are great spaces for groups to meet to discuss a project.

With finals season coming sooner than you think, take advantage of all that the Grainger Engineering Library has to offer as the best library here at the University.

marilyn6@dailyillini.com

best bus stop: Illini Union

By Alexis Ramirez Staff Writer

When it comes to bus stops, it’s all about location, location, location. Although it’s not the most serviced bus stop by number of unique routes locat ed within the University’s campus, the Illini Union bus stop has won the cat egory of “Best Bus Stop” for two con secutive years.

The Illini Union stop is centrally located, as it is north of the Main Quad, south of Bardeen Quad, east of Cam pustown and west of the residence halls along Green Street.

The routes that service the stop can connect commuters with the Universi ty’s instructional buildings, residence halls, Illinois Terminal, downtown Champaign and downtown Urbana.

All three of the stop’s boarding sites feature shelters that shield commuters from harsh weather, especially those gusts of cold air in the winter. Digital

signs provide information about upcom ing arrivals so commuters don’t need to check the times on their phones.

The Illini Union bus stop is an iStop, meaning anyone can board without needing to pay fare or show a val id pass or ID. The accessibility, fea tures and the location of the Illini Union bus stop make it the best stop in Champaign-Urbana.

alexisr5@dailyillini.com

best place to cry: Under a staircase

By Kylie Corral buzz Editor

It’s that time of year already. That time when the holidays are close but finals, burnout and the stresses of everyday life are even closer. We’re in the final stretch of Fall 2022, but nothing seems merry about that quite yet.

The conditions are just perfect for crying.

The campus community has spo ken, and the best place to cry has been designated as under a staircase somewhere. If you’re someone who’s ready to let some unshed stress tears out, this is something you need to know.

es, there’s nowhere more perfect or sacred to sob than under a flight of stairs.

Find an on-campus staircase near you for your next breakdown before the next semester rolls around.

kyliemc2@dailyillini.com

2nd: Transit Plaza 3rd: Gregory at Library

Shielded by staircases that can be found on all buildings on cam pus, there is never a bad time to let out a good cry. Whether it’s before that exam you crammed all night for or after a terrible string of class

2nd: Grainger Library 3rd: Main Library Stacks

JACOB SLABOSZ THE DAILY ILLINI

DANIEL ZHOU THE DAILY ILLINI

best on-campus bar: KAMS

By Faith Allendorf Managing Editor for Reporting

Wondering where to go on Friday night? Look no further than the home of the drinking Illini: KAMS.

KAMS, located in its 2-year-old build ing at 102 E. Green St., is an on-campus bar that offers drinks and good times in a club-like space. The space is lit up by iridescent neon lights and has two stories with various areas to go. On the second floor, there is a balcony protect ed by a roof.

On the bottom floor, there is an out side area that is more closed off than the one on the second floor. On the wall that faces the entrance is a painting of Alma Mater wearing an orange KAMS jersey.

The atmosphere is energetic and fast moving, and the DJs always play the best music. KAMS is also relatively more sanitary than other on-campus bars, and even though people are always close to each other, it is never too hot.

While KAMS is new to Green Street,

the name is not new to the campus com munity. The “KAMS” name has been around since the 1930s and has gone through many, many changes. Most recently, in 2019, KAMS’ previous loca tion at East Daniel Street was closed, and the bar reopened in 2020 at its cur rent location.

Although the location has changed, the tradition has not. KAMS still serves their iconic drink, the Illini Blue Guy, and the classic painting of Alma Mater wearing a KAMS jersey was repainted.

KAMS offers many specials for drinks and cover pay throughout the week. For example, on most Mondays, anyone 21 and over can get in for free and Blue Guys are $2 instead of $5. There are also always deals during the day on weekends, especially when there is a big event like a football game.

If you’re looking for something to do on a Friday night, look no further than KAMS. Stop in, get a Blue Guy and don’t forget to ice out.

faithaa2@dailyillini.com

best

date spot:

Arboretum

By Sydney Wood Staff Writer

From dates like stargazing to picnics to late-night strolls, a trend becomes exceptionally clear: nature is inher ently romantic. So if you’re planning a date, there’s no place more roman tic than the University’s Arboretum.

Nestled at the intersection of Florida and Lincoln avenues in Urbana, the Arboretum is home to a handful of natural attractions, such as the Amer ican Hosta Society National Display Garden, Oak Grove and the Noel Wel come Garden.

With more than 160 acres of spa cious landscape, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Start off your date on the right foot by sitting with your partner under the wooden pavil ion that looks out across the lake. It was built by Nick Offerman in hon or of Shozo Sato, the founder of the

2nd: Murphy’s Pub 3rd: Legends Bar and Grill

Japan House.

In mid-April, the Arboretum’s cher ry blossom trees, known as sakura, become one of the University’s hot spots once they bloom and showcase their delicate, light-pink blossoms.

Now, imagine yourself with your beloved partner or even a Tinder date whom you met 15 minutes ago taking a romantic stroll through paths that lead through the Arboretum’s magnifi cent trees and foliage. Can you smell the springtime floral scents already?

If you find these options a bit too romantic for a date night, you also have the option to take your evening one step further and get married at one of the Arboretum’s multiple spe cial event lawns for the low-low price of $850 (not counting the 20% security deposit, of course).

And the best part? Admission is free.

LOGAN HODSON THE DAILY ILLINI

BY SCOTT HOGAN & KATIE HALE

best new business: The Literary

By Faith Allendorf Managing Editor for Reporting

Located in a cluster of shops in down town Champaign on North Neil Street is a bookstore like no other: The Literary.

The inside of The Literary is decorat ed in pastel colors, and it also has plenty of places to sit and indulge in a drink while studying or relaxing.

But that drink may not be coffee. To the back right side of The Literary, there is a bar.

Just over a year ago in October 2021, The Literary opened its doors for the first time. Since then, the shop has attracted a high volume of customers who were fascinated by the concept of a bookbar.

Besides selling books, The Literary often hosts author meet and greets, book clubs, poetry readings and more. By day, The Literary is a bookstore and bakery, and by night, it is a bar that serves wine and beer, as well as appe

tizers and desserts.

The Literary was founded by Jenny Shima who partnered with Hopscotch Bakery + Market to bring a bookbar to downtown Champaign. According to Remington Rock, general manager of The Literary, Shima was inspired by her ambition to find a “third place” to be.

“Your home is your first place and work is your second place, and then where do you go after that?” Rock said. “Where do you go to relax, study, work or learn?”

The third place is The Literary, and for Rock, the business is what brought and continues to bring her closer to the Champaign-Urbana community.

“Champaign and Urbana have such great local businesses,” she said. “It’s what I really like about this town — it’s very supportive and local-centric. This is a community that really does love to support local (businesses).”

faithaa2@dailyillini.com

2nd: Champaign Urbana Adventures in Time and Space

3rd: Virginia Theatre

2nd: Shawarma Joint 3rd: Fire Doll Studio

best unique experience: The Axe Bar

By Marilyn MacLaren Assistant buzz Editor

Located at 114 S. Neil St., The Axe Bar is credited as “Champaign’s first ever axe-throwing establishment.” The bar features 10 axe throwing lanes, as well as the opportunity to compete in axe-throwing league held on Mondays.

New to axe throwing? Patrons will complete a quick training session and must be dressed properly with no open-toed shoes. Then you’ll be ready to start the fun.

Although you must be 18 to par ticipate in axe throwing, people of all ages are welcome to attend the venue and enjoy the experience. Reservations can be made for the axe-throwing lanes, but walk-ins are welcome. The bar offers an assorted menu of sandwiches, pizza, wings

and other bar food combos, includ ing an extensive drink selection with 24 beers on tap.

Their signature drinks, such as the Bloody Mary “Blood Axe,” the Axe Rita and The Hatchet, match the theme of the bar and add to the overall atmosphere, providing every one with a great experience to enjoy with friends.

The Axe Bar also features weekly events, such as Axe League on Mon day nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Karaoke on Tuesday nights from 9 p.m. to midnight and ladies night on Fridays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The Axe Bar offers activities for everybody and has definitely earned its vote as the best unique experi ence for the Champaign-Urbana community.

SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

best restaurant to take your parents: Black Dog

By Drew Friberg Sports Editor

The age old question of where to go to lunch or dinner resurfaces each time your parents come to town. With an excess of restaurants located both on and off campus, how is one supposed to choose?

Whether it’s Dads weekend, Moms weekend or a completely different occa sion, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is the perfect place to bring your parents for a meal.

Specializing in smokehouse barbe cue-style food, the restaurant also has locally manufactured beer, along with a wide selection of other liquors. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House has everything from chicken to ribs, and the restaurant also has wide assortment of sauces.

“It’s true (that it is a great place to take your parents),” co-manager Nicole Cravens said. “It makes us happy that people think of us when their family is

in town and they want to come see us.”

Located in Champaign on the cor ner of Main and Chestnut streets and tucked away in a cozy corner near cool shops and within walking distance of the Amtrak station, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is the answer to the age old question.

friberg3@dailyillini.com

secret: Walnut Street Tea Company

kept

By Heather Robinson Editor-in-Chief

When customers step inside of Wal nut Street Tea Company, they are greeted with a symphony of aromas — the scent of over 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea and over 40 varieties of gourmet coffee lining the shelves.

Tucked away on a corner in down town Champaign, Walnut Street Tea Company may be a surprise for C-U residents who haven’t visited the shop. But over the past 35 years of its oper ation, the company has collected its share of loyal customers, earning the title of Champaign-Urbana’s best kept secret.

“We have people that come from all around Central Illinois and, honestly, Indiana and Northern Illinois because there’s just nothing quite like us,” own er Hilary Porter said.

Walnut Street Tea Company also offers a selection of accessories includ

ing teapots and mugs, as well as good ies like chocolates and cookies to enjoy with the teas and coffees.

Customers can grab a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee to-go at the com pany’s second location, located at 2510 Village Green Place in Champaign.

“We just really hope we can continue to bring good tea and coffee to the C-U community and have a fun place for people to explore,” Porter said.

hrr4@dailyillini.com

JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI

JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI

best live music venue: The Canopy Club

By Sydney Wood Staff Writer

What do Kid Rock, Fall Out Boy, Wilco, Japanese Breakfast, Beach Bunny and The Smashing Pumpkins have in common? They’ve all played at The Canopy Club in Urbana.

Events Director Kate Turk said it’s important for The Canopy Club to defend its title of “Best Live Music Venue” in Champaign-Urbana — an honor it has held since 2017.

She said she appreciates the ven ue’s ability to host a diverse range of performers, parties and other events.

“We’re not just a country venue, and we’re not just a rock venue or an EDM venue,” Turk said. “We’ve got something different going on every night. I love that. As a music lover, it’s great. You don’t get sick of what you do because you’re doing some thing different every night, which

is great.”

Director of Marketing Ian Stras ser agreed with Turk, adding that he appreciates the venue’s smaller, more intimate setting.

“When you’re here, you’re 50 feet away from this band or DJ that’s on stage playing their heart out,” Stras ser said. “Even if it’s a sold-out show in here, there’s always a level of inti macy that is really unique that you don’t get in all venues.”

He added that the venue unites con certgoers and creates community.

“There’s a really special feeling when you’re in a room with every one who has a shared interest in the person onstage performing versus a bunch of people looking in all direc tions in a bar,” Strasser said. “It’s not as cohesive, it’s just kind of all over the place. But here, it’s a shared experience.”

swood2@dailyillini.com

2nd: Rose Bowl Tavern 3rd: NOLA’s Rock Bar

JACOB SLABOSZ THE DAILY ILLINI

best local band: Kangaroo Court

By Kylie Corral buzz Editor

Music is alive and well in the Champaign-Urbana community. With plenty of venues, lots of talent and just the right amount of fans, the C-U area has been a perfect place for music lovers and musicians to coexist with one another.

Kangaroo Court, a local band formed by students from the Univer sity of Illinois, was formed last year in October 2021. This year, they’ve been voted as the best local band.

The band consists of four mem bers: lead singer Jake Luce, lead gui tarist Garrett Frank, bassist Noah Tennison and drummer Cody Spiezio. With the band’s common appearanc es and performances across C-U,

they’ve steadily made a reputation, staying in the minds of students and locals alike.

Kangaroo Court is known for its lively tunes, bringing in a wellreceived atmosphere to fans and first-time visitors. More about its shows and music can be found on the band’s Instagram page: @ kangaroocourtmusic.

Community is often brought togeth er by many things, and the musical experience that Kangaroo Court has brought to the C-U area is one of those factors that has left a lasting impact on those who live here. This local band has brought in votes for being the best local band for their music and talent and rightly so. kyliemc2@dailyillini.com

best tattoo shop: No Regrets Tattoos

By Cecilia Milmoe Features Editor

For many, tattoos are an important part of self-expression. Whether they are small or large, tattoos are a great way to stand out, and No Regrets Tat toos has been deemed the best place to get one in Champaign-Urbana.

Located on 117 W. Church St. in Cham paign, No Regrets Tattoos has been putting art on people’s bodies since it opened in 2006. Unlike many other tat too shops, which require appointments for tattoos, No Regrets Tattoos opens its doors for walk-ins, allowing anyone to get a tattoo or a piercing whenever they want. This business model, along with the quality of the artists’ work, has made No Regrets Tattoos stand out from the rest.

Matt Stines, the owner of No Regrets Tattoos and a tattoo artist, said the shop

makes sure customers are in a comfort able environment.

“We’ve got that type of longevity of experience behind our shop and peo ple trust that they can come in and feel comfortable,” Stines said. “It’s a safe environment. We’ve always held the highest standards of health with the health department, and we’ve always kept a clean, safe place that you can get quality work.”

No Regrets Tattoos opens its doors from noon to 10 p.m. every day of the week, meaning that customers can easily fit the time in their busy sched ules to get beautiful artwork on their bodies.

No Regrets Tattoos’ dedication to the community for the past 16 years has paid off, earning it its place as the best tattoo shop in C-U.

cecilia@dailyillini.com

2nd: New Life Tattoos

3rd: Third Eye Tattoo

ILLINI

best off-campus bar: The Blind Pig Brewery

By Maaike Niekerk Staff Writer

Students looking for a break from the usual campus revelry spots can head to The Bling Pig Brewery at 120 N. Neil St. in downtown Champaign.

The Blind Pig Brewery found its roots as a live music club in the early 1990s at a different location in downtown Champaign. As the bar evolved, it eventually grew, opening a total of four different locations in Champaign and winning a number of titles such as Champaign’s first official whole grain brewery.

Though the venue has changed, there is still a warm and homey vibe associated with The Blind Pig Brew ery. It continues to be a comfortable and well-known bar in C-U.

The Blind Pig Brewery adopted a

brewery cat back in 2017 and posts links to various adoption sites on their website in the hopes of finding more homes for animals in the C-U area.

In addition to bringing the commu nity together through animal adoption, the bar hosts weekly trivia nights on Sundays at 7 p.m. and has an estab lished social aspect to be enjoyed along with their drinks. The brewery takes pride in its wide selection of beers, adopting the unofficial title as the “Beer of Champaign.”

The brewery is open daily from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., with the exception of the shortened Sunday hours of 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For anyone looking to find their new favorite bar in C-U, The Blind Pig Brewery is a friendly and welcoming option for all.

JAMES HOECK THE DAILY

best thri store: Twice is Nice

By Lucy Bridges Staff Writer

Urbana’s Twice is Nice Thrift Shop was voted as this year’s best thrift store in Champaign-Urbana. The cozy thrift store is located inside of a house that was built in 1901 right off of campus in Urbana.

Twice is Nice offers a personal and vintage thrift shopping experi ence with its wide selection of books, clothes, kitchenware and much more.

Twice is Nice was opened in 2008 by the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana. The thrift store was created with the goal of being a more sustain able parish that works to reuse and recycle resources while supporting the C-U community. Now, Twice is Nice has become a favorite thrift destina tion among students at the University as well.

Walking through the door of Twice is Nice is like walking into a treasure trove full of vintage gems, ranging from bookshelves full of previously

loved books, racks of one-of-a-kind women’s clothing, shoes and vintage dishware.

Other items include bookmarks, vintage tins and home decorations. Although the merchandise is special, the experience that comes along with shopping at Twice is Nice is even more unique.

“I think it’s really the personal nature of it. It’s a really fun and kind of funky place,” Melissa Records, man ager of the store, said.

Records said that she loves to dedi cate her time to the upkeep of Twice is Nice along with the other volunteers. The store is open and accepts dona tions on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s a chance for people to just get together and talk, and I think people feel comfortable coming here,” she said. “They like coming here regular ly because they get to see some of their favorite volunteers.”

lucyjb2@dailyillini.com

best bookstore: Jane Addams Book Shop

By Faith Allendorf Managing Editor for Reporting

Big bookstores like Barnes & Noble never feel as personal as the ones that are independently and locally owned.

But inside of Jane Addams Book Shop on North Neil Street in down town Champaign, “personal” is just one word to describe the cozy, warm and inviting atmosphere.

Jane Addams Book Shop, founded in Champaign-Urbana in 1984, is a three-story, 15-room shop that has a wide assortment of books for every one of all ages and interests. With over 70,000 titles in the shop, there are nov els ranging from agricultural guides to classic thrillers and so much more.

Susan Elmore, owner of Jane Addams, said she is grateful for the love that the Champaign-Urbana com munity has given to her store over the past four decades.

“We’re just so appreciative of our community, and we continue to be sup ported by them,” she said. “We just love being able to be here for them to support them back with books.”

Jane Addams also offers online shopping as well as in-store or curbside pickup. Books can also be shipped.

All of the books in the shop are used, and when someone brings books into the store, they will receive store credit. The books that are not needed are donated to local charities.

Elmore said that she has always believed in the power of books. She described them as “everything.”

“They are information — they hold thoughts, and they hold opinions,” she said. “Anything you can think of is probable in a book. They are there for everything.”

SYDNEY LAPUT THE