With each passing year, new spots take the Champaign-Urbana community by storm with newfound popularity. Whether it’s somewhere that just opened or an old favorite, C-U has plenty of locations that everyone should visit at least once.
The Daily Illini has you covered with a list of the hottest spots of the 2023-24 year, helping you find places to fulfill your campus and college experience.
Brothers Bar & Grill
After opening in October 2023, Brothers’ new location has become an instant hotspot in the campus community. Whether it’s to watch the Illini reach the Elite Eight or grab to a drink with friends, the Bar & Grill has been a hit all year.
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Winning multiple titles in The Daily Illini’s annual “Best of CU” competition within its first year of operation, Brothers is a great place to spend time on campus. With its extensive drink menu and quality burgers, the restaurant shines as a great addition to the area.
University of Illinois Ice Arena
The University of Illinois Ice Arena gained attention during the 2023-24 school year because of the annual student elections in late February, as students overwhelmingly voted to renovate the rink for a raise in student fees.
The arena, the only of its kind in C-U, is open to the public during the entirety of the school year. The rink hosts regular games for the University’s club hockey teams, skate lessons and even classes for students enrolled in HK 104: Skating Activities.
The Literary
The Literary in downtown Champaign stands out as a well-rounded location for you to stop by on the weekends. The bookstore, combined with a coffee shop, makes an excellent venue for an assortment of events that come to the C-U area, including guests for Pygmalion, local art shows and more.
The Literary is known across campus as a great place to study, grab a sweet treat or do some light book shopping. If you’re in search of a cute off-campus spot to show your friends, look no further.
The Bread Company
As a C-U staple, anyone who hasn’t stopped by The Bread Company within their first year of living on campus is truly missing out. From their unique decor to their daily fresh-baked loaves, this Urbana hotspot has it all.
Offering delectable meals and that unbeatable Urbana vibe, The Bread Company is a great place to bring family and friends when you want to give them the perfect taste of C-U.
