Editor’s Note

Bringing you live event coverage, local food reviews and in-depth coverage of your favorite performers in Champaign-Urbana, the buzz section is highlighted every year in The DI’s Best of CU edition. Although the buzz magazine officially ended print production in 2016, the journal has continued its legacy under The DI ever since.

For over two decades, Best of CU has brought readers a list of the hottest spots and activities in the area as chosen by the people. With over 90 categories containing everything from businesses to restaurants, dorms to dining halls, mental breakdown areas to bus stops, the buzz team and student staff of The Daily Illini have compiled it all for you to enjoy.

For the first time ever, buzz is presenting Best of CU in a magazine format instead of our traditional print newspaper. This magazine contains your complete list of 2024 Best of CU winners, as chosen by you.

Wondering where to have an awkward — but hopefully successful — first date? Check out page 13 to see which community location was voted Best Date Spot. 

Interested in what students have crowned Best On-Campus Bar and Drink? Take a look at pages 30 and 31 to put an end to the age-old debate of which bar and beverage take the cake.

Want to catch more shows and further explore the C-U music scene? Head over to our Music and Arts section starting on page 43 to discover the community’s picks for best local band, venue and more.

With Moms Weekend coming up fast, be sure to take a look at our Moms Weekend insert starting on page 49 to find the best places to go out to eat together, the best place to hotel to put her in for the weekend, and most importantly, the best place to store your dad while you two spend some quality time.

The University is a hotspot for a diverse blend of good eats, hidden gems and local treasures. The 2024 edition of Best of CU is here to be your ultimate guide to our fun community.