The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Best of CU | Best Coffee Shop: Caffe Paradiso

Caffe+Paradiso%2C+a+coffee+shop+located+at+801+S.+Lincoln+Ave.%2C+has+a+generally+rustic+and+natural+feel+and+is+filled+with+plants+and+pleasant+aromas.
Damini Rana
Caffe Paradiso, a coffee shop located at 801 S. Lincoln Ave., has a generally rustic and natural feel and is filled with plants and pleasant aromas.

Nothing embodies a local coffee shop like Caffe Paradiso. The customers, staff and ambiance of the entire establishment are at the heart of the Champaign-Urbana area like nothing else.

Caffe Paradiso’s bustling environment makes it a great place to catch up with friends — or, if you need noise to focus, to grind out an essay or two. With seating both indoors and out, there’s a table for your party, no matter its size. 

Inside, visitors will find eccentric and lively local art scattered in the building, which adds to the cafe’s personality and charm. The colorful and quirky barista’s choice stand cultivates a community between the regulars and the staff. Additional to the pretty wallpaper in the bathroom is a chalk wall where customers can add their names or leave a message — how darling!

The quality of both its coffee and food is spectacular. Even if you don’t drink coffee, its matcha and other teas are so tasty. Most everything is locally sourced, if not made in-store — just an additional charm.

For so many activities, whether those be online shopping, writing an article for The Daily Illini or buying concert tickets — I even changed my major! — there’s no better place to do it than Caffe Paradiso. Grab a friend, grab a table and treat yourself to one of the many drinks that makes this coffee shop the best in C-U.

 

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About the Contributor
Ella Narag
Ella Narag, Special Sections Editor
Hello! My name is Ella Narag, and I am a sophomore studying integrative biology honors and global studies. I’ve been writing for The Daily Illini since September 2022 and have been news editor since March 2023. I’m very hopeful and excited for the school year and all the content our team will be putting out. For any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out at [email protected] or [email protected].
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