The Space has won the Most Unique Restaurant category since its arrival in Champaign-Urbana in 2023 — an impressive track record for such a fresh-faced addition to the citys’ eclectic food scene.
Perhaps it’s something to do with The Space’s dedication as an avenue for community arts. The restaurant frequently hosts live music nights, drag performances and open mic shows.
Regardless of the gig type, the audience is usually invited to jump onstage, encouraging budding local artists to strut their stuff in the eyes of their townie peers.
Others credit The Space’s mainstay cultural presence to its playfully novel menu. The Space’s selection of locally sourced dishes goes beyond delighting the senses, reminding us that even the most commonplace American meals can be made exciting again if prepared with a little love — and a lot of whimsy.
One may never find the exact reason behind The Space’s local charm it’s possessed, but no matter. Make sure to take an afternoon to visit the venue, and between the bites of smacking good food and the live punk-rock hammering the air, you may just find one of your own.
