Many would agree that Green Street offers just about every type of food a college student would desire. The popular street is home to many chains, as well as many restaurants unique to Champaign. While Green Street can satisfy one’s appetite, students can also try some new, original dishes at lesser-known eateries a few blocks away from Green Street.

Located at 1209 W. Oregon Street in Urbana, the Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant has provided customers a dining experience that differs from the everyday restaurant for 33 years.

The brick walls of the restaurant are covered with bright colored murals, and the seating is made up of mix-and-match style tables. The restaurant is in the basement of the Channing-Murray Foundation, an Unitarian-Universalist organization.

The Red Herring offers choices for varying budgets and appetites. It provides half sizes and full plates with options such as salads, platters, soups, entrees and sandwiches on their menu. They are open for lunch on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and have Vegan Food Night on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

One of the Red Herring’s dishes is called “The Combo.” The entree consists of brown rice and quinoa pilaf, organic black and pinto beans, served with vegan chili and a cornbread muffin.

The dish can be ordered either as a full entree for $5 or half an entree for $3.50.

The restaurant tries to use local ingredients as much as possible, according to Doug Jones, co-executive director of The Channing-Murray Foundation. Some of the people who work at the restaurant are volunteers from the foundation, and some are paid employees.

Channing-Murray Foundation’s co-executive director Claire Szoke said she has been a regular at the Red Herring for many years. She said she enjoys their Tempeh Tacos and most of the soups and cheese plates.

Szoke said she likes that Red Herring occasionally holds tango and blues classes.

“These programs allow students to perform and is a place for student groups to gather,” Szoke said.

Morgan Brandon, an employee at the University library, said he has been coming to the Red Herring on and off since 2002. He said his favorite dish is the falafel sandwich, but it’s not just the food he enjoys.

“One time I came to the Red Herring to watch a show that students had to put on for their doctorate,” he said. “It was an electronic show that ended up being really good.”

Tricia Ravelo, who works for the College of Business, said she likes “The Combo” when she comes to the eatery.

While the restaurant provides vegetarian and vegan dishes that are made to order, not all diners come because they are vegetarians.

Brandon and Ravelo said they aren’t vegetarians and just enjoy the food because of its great taste, not for a special dietary reason.

If one is looking for a restaurant that provides vegetarian options and various forms of community performances, the Red Herring may have something to offer.

Kayla can be reached at [email protected].