Best of CU 2024

THE DAILY ILLINI

1001 S. Wright St. Champaign, IL 61820 || (217) 337-8300

The Daily Illini is the independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The newspaper is published by the Illini Media Co. The Daily Illini does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois administration, faculty or students.

All Illini Media Co. and/or The Daily Illini articles, photos and graphics are the property of Illini Media and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the publisher.

How to contact us

The Daily Illini is located in the basement of the University YMCA at 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820. Our ofce hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

General phone numbers

Front Desk: (217) 337-8300

Advertising: (217) 337-8382

Newsroom: (217) 337-8345

Newsroom contacts

Online: If you have a question about the dailyillini.com website, please email our Managing Editor for Online at online@dailyillini.com.

Visuals: If you have a question about photos, graphics or The Daily Illini’s social media, please email our Managing Editor for Visuals at visuals@dailyillini.com.

Employment: If you would like to work for the newspaper’s editorial department, please fill out our online form at dailyillini.com/apply

Calendar: If you want to submit events for publication in print and online, visit dailyillini.com.

Letters to the editor: Letters are limited to 300 words. Contributions must include the author’s name, address and phone number. University students must include their year in school and college. The Daily Illini reserves the right to edit or reject any contributions. Email opinions@dailyillini.com with the subject "Letter to the Editor."

Advertising

Placing an ad: If you would like to place an ad, please contact our advertising department at (217) 337-8382 or e-mail advertise@illinimedia. com.

Corrections: When we make a mistake, we will correct it in this place. We strive for accuracy, so if you see an error, please contact Editor-in-Chief Lika Lezhava at (217) 337-8365 or email editor@dailyillini.com.

Editor-in-Chief: Lika Lezhava editor@dailyillini.com

Managing Editor for Reporting: Lisa Chasanov reporting@dailyillini.com

Managing Editor for Visuals: Jacob Slabosz visuals@dailyillini.com

Managing Editor for Online: Rohit Chatterjee online@dailyillini.com

News Editor: Ella Narag news@dailyillini.com

Features Editor: Lillie Salas features@dailyillini.com

buzz Editor: Maaike Niekerk buzz@dailyillini.com

Opinions Editor: Raphael Ranola opinions@dailyillini.com

Sports Editor: James Kim sports@dailyillini.com

Photo Editor: James Hoeck photo@dailyillini.com

Graphics Editor: Amy Sanchez graphics@dailyillini.com

Design Editor: Sophia Kim design@dailyillini.com

Copy Chief: Haley Jin copy@dailyillini.com

Social Media Director: Lauren Jenkins social@dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini

Editor’s note

Bringing you live event coverage, local food reviews and indepth interviews with your favorite performers in Champaign-Urbana, the buzz section is highlighted every year in The Daily Illini’s Best of CU edition. Although buzz magazine ofcially 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 staf of

The DI have compiled it all for you to enjoy.

For the first time, 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 ageold 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 & Arts section starting on page 43 to discover your 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 hotel for her to stay in 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.

MAAIKE

Campus

Campus Instructional Facility

Best Academic

Building

Assistant buzz Editor JACK LARSON

jacobrl5@dailyillini.com

Located on 1405 W. Springfield Ave. is not only the best academic building at the University of Illinois but one of the very best in the United States: The Campus Instructional Facility, opened in Fall 2021, is one of the campus’ newest buildings.

The CIF features over 20 classrooms and space for over 2,000 students throughout the building’s five levels. As a harbor for productivity and creativity, there are infinite spots in the building to learn, study or work on whatever a

student puts their mind to.

The first floor by itself is one of the best study spots on campus. It includes an Espresso Royale with a barrage of long tables, a glass-encased study room and the illustrious monumental study steps.

The study steps, a massive staircase, feature lengthy rows with foam pads for students to sit on to make things more comfortable. The best part — the Goliath flatscreen TV in front of the steps.

The building’s futuristic design and facilities set it apart from every other building on campus. The CIF also has a massive auditorium and Best of CU award-winning

bathrooms.

Located on the Bardeen Quadrangle near other nice engineering buildings, the CIF is hands down the best academic building on our campus.

Main Library

Best Library

University library network.

QUEZADA mquez3@dailyillini.com

Whether you’re in the Orange Room listening to a lecture or in the Reading Room pretending to be part of “The Tortured Poets Department,” the Main Library is the place to be.

Founded in 1924, the Main Library became the default library since the Undergraduate Library closed for renovations in 2022. As the second-largest university library collection in the country, the Main Library serves as the emblematic face of the

Nestled in the heart of campus, it’s a close walk from most academic buildings. It ofers four floors of diferent study spaces and multiple resources for student success.

Not only is the library’s interior a great space, but its exterior complements the aesthetics. A stellar example of the Georgian revival style, its majestic architecture invites you in at first glance.

Most importantly, the Main Library caters to every student’s needs. From a private space to yell with your study group to a quiet place to stare at stained glass pondering your post-grad plans,

« 1st » CIF

« 2nd »

Lincolin Hall

« 3rd »

Krannert Center

this library has range.

Ultimately, the Main Library is the epitome of an academic hub, which is why it’s no wonder it’s been chosen as the best.

« 1st »

Main Library

« 2nd »

Funk ACES Library

« 3rd »

Students study at the monumental study steps in the Campus Instructional Faciliy on Feb. 29. The CIF also has a Espresso Royale for students to purchase cofee to aid their studying.

Staf Writer

MARIANA

Priyal Patel, senior in LAS, studies at the Main Library. The Main Library is a popular spot for studying with its many rooms and floors.

OILIVIA MCAFOOS

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Wassaja Hall

Best Residence Hall

Staf Writer ASHWIN PADMANABHAN ap66@dailyillini.com

Living in a residence hall may be a universally relatable experience that a majority of college students share. Communal bathrooms, loud neighbors and running to the dining hall before the lunch or dinner rush are all experiences students at the University share.

Although these situational occurrences may sound similar, the residence halls themselves could not be more different in terms of atmosphere and

environment. At the heart of the Ikenberry North Commons lies Wassaja Hall, a place that seems like your average campus housing, but its residents believe it to be the best place you can live during your freshman year.

As one of the few new residence halls, Wassaja Hall features significantly nicer rooms and cleaner and more spacious bathrooms. Nicer hallways and room amenities also make this residence hall stand out.

Outside of indisputably high-quality rooms, the atmosphere for socialization is what truly draws peo-

ple to live in Wassaja Hall. The hall has a lot of small lounges and seating areas between rooms which promote community and socialization among students.

ISR Dining Center

Best Dining Hall

Writer MALLORY MILLER mm167@dailyillini.com

Sometimes it’s hard to get excited about using meal swipes when local restaurants seem to ofer so much more. However, the Illinois Street Dining Center makes the decision to eat at a dining hall easy, as it brings the convenience of diverse restaurants to you.

The ISR Dining Center is located inside ISR, with bus lines running to and from the center for easy access.

The center, originally built in 1962, was recently

renovated in 2021 to include micro-restaurants that ofer cuisine from all over the world, according to an article on the remodel.

Students can choose from nine separate stations to satisfy their stomachs, which range from Italian cuisine at Saporito, Asian foods at Fusion 48 and dessert dishes at Café a la Crumb.

Individuals with dietary restrictions are also welcome to eat at the ISR Dining Center, as Inclusive Solutions has them covered with a variety of food options catered to their needs.

« 1st »

Wassaja Hall

« 2nd »

Allen Hall

« 3rd »

Weston Hall

Open from 7-10 a.m. for breakfast, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 4:30-8 p.m. for dinner, there really is no better place to use your meal swipes on campus.

« 1st »

ISR

« 2nd »

Ikenberry

« 3rd »

PAR

The outside of Wassaja Hall on the corner of East Gregory and South First streets on March 24. ISAAC PINKUS » THE DAILY ILLINI

Staf

Students dine in the Illinois Street Residence dining hall, on 1010 W. Illinois St. for breakfast on a Sunday morning on March 24.

ISAAC PINKUS

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Grainger Engineering Library

Best Study Spot

Assistant buzz Editor JACK LARSON

jacobrl5@dailyillini.com

If you need to lock in, the Grainger Engineering Library is the place for you. Located at the north end of the Bardeen Quadrangle is this year’s Best Study Spot.

The Grainger Engineering Library holds a special place in the hearts of many students at the University, as you’ll rarely find the building empty. Open 24 hours every weekday and 10 a.m. to midnight on the weekends, it’s a welcoming space during any time of year.

On that second floor is the cream-of-the-crop library

material. There are 200 individual study stalls and various long tables for group study. However, this may not be the best place to collaborate on a group project, as the middle floors of Grainger are for quiet study only.

If you’re looking for a better space to work in groups or chat with friends, you’ll find it on the fourth floor, where you can work at one of the many spacious round tables in the middle area, in reserved study rooms or elsewhere.

The lower level and first floor will also fill your collaborative needs, as there are pods you can sit in with friends or classmates and connect to the television at the end of your

table.

If you get tired or hungry, there’s an Espresso Royale on the first floor ofering various cofee drinks, sandwiches and more to get you through your study session.

« 1st »

Grainger Library

« 2nd »

Cafe Paradiso

« 3rd »

ACES Funk Library

Illini Union Diana Fountain

Best Fountain

MICHAEL SWEENEY ms98@dailyillini.com

She is the daughter of Zeus, twin sister to Apollo, slayer of the giant Tityus, killer of Orion — and the subject of the 15-foottall bronze fountain outside of where you have bowling class.

Bow in hand, Diana, goddess of the hunt, animals and fertility, overlooks passersby in the Illini Union. In the surrounding pool, three scantily clad marble figures of demons and women give her attention that is otherwise nonexistent in the mortal world.

This detailed piece was built by famed Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and given to the University by Time Inc. and the class of 1921.

The goddess is known for her unprovoked cruelty, and you’ll probably be met with a paralleling harshness from public safety. Diana serves as a reminder of the University’s alumni and our fervent love for campus wildlife.

Since your friends abroad will probably sicken you with their photos in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, maybe take a minute and take a photo in front of Diana. She’s a goddess, and Oceanus, depicted on the Trevi Fountain,

« 1st »

is only a titan — so you’ll win. After upstaging your friends, be sure to stop and appreciate this fountain as people from around the world have for over a century.

2nd »

3rd »

The Grainger Engineering Library sits at the north end of the Bardeen Quadrangle on May 14, located at 1301 W. Springfield Ave.

THOMAS CAI » THE DAILY ILLINI

Staf Writer

The Diana fountain sits outside the Illini Union, depicting Diana, goddess of the hunt, animals and fertility, on Feb. 29. The fountain sits on the west side of the building.

DAMINI RANA » THE DAILY ILLINI

Illini Union Diana Fountain «

ACAC Fountain «

David Kinely Hall West Side

CIF basement

Best Bathroom

Assistant Features Editor ASHLEIGH KENDRICK akend2@dailyillini.com

When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go, but which bathroom is the best to go to? Luckily, the campus community has voted, and the definitive best place to go is the Campus Instructional Facility basement bathrooms.

As the bathroom resides in the basement of the CIF, bathroom-goers have a quiet sanctuary to attend to their business. The bathroom is clean, with no trash on the floor and little to no overflow in the trash cans.

The large mirror in front of the sinks is also clean, making this location ideal for a quick bathroom selfie.

Extra points go to this bathroom for the clean stalls — each stall is fully stocked with four rolls of toilet paper and automatic toilets.

The public does not have to worry about not being able to wash its hands, as each soap dispenser is fully loaded with soap.

There is also no need to worry about walking out with wet hands because there are automatic and manual paper towel dispensers as well as two automatic hand blow dryers.

Whether you need to use the restroom or fix your hair and makeup, the CIF basement bathroom has the resources and space to cater to all your restroom needs.

Boneyard Creek

Best Place to Cry

Features Editor

LILLIE SALAS lmsalas2@dailyillini.com

Among the chaos that ensues on the bustling streets of Campustown, there lay a safe haven. A wooded creek filled with hissing geese and swimming fish sits upon the cusp of the Bardeen Quadrangle.

This area of campus houses weary STEM students as they try to make it to the next day, simply exerting all their efort to survive.

As students deal with the stresses of classes or failing

grades, being homesick and the overall tribulations of being enrolled in any university, Boneyard Creek is the best place to let out a good cry.

When a mental breakdown is brewing, take an opportunity to go outside and reconnect with nature. Let the expensive University grass run betwixt your fingers as hot, salty tears stream down your face.

« 1st »

CIF Basement

« 2nd » SCD

« 3rd » BIF

Due to its closeness to most engineering buildings, every person in the vicinity will also most likely be crying. Individuals can easily blend in as they regret every decision that led them to this point.

The beautiful scenery and running waters are sure to provide some sort of consolation during dire circumstances.

« 1st »

Boneyard Creek

« 2nd »

Krannert Center Steps

« 3rd »

South Quad

Students sit, study, relax and possibly cry beside Boneyard Creek on Sept. 13. The creek runs for over three miles through midtown and down to campus.

JACK LARSON

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Students walk to class and study in the basement of the Campus Instructional Facility on Feb. 27. The CIF boasts five floors total.

ISAAC PINKUS

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Community

Roland Realty

Best Apartment/Leasing Company

Managing Editor for Reporting LISA CHASANOV lisamc3@dailyillini.com

When each campus tenant searches for a place to hang their hat, they arrive with their own priorities and expectations. From a restrictive budget to luxury amenities, there seems to be no single student living solution that will check every box.

However, with a wide variety of houses and apartments, Roland Realty has proven its versatility. This leasing company owns the vast majority of properties in the lively region of campus

known as Seniorland, serving as the unofcial provider of housing for Greek-afliated upperclassmen on campus.

The leasing company has a whimsical social media presence that mirrors the youthful and party-oriented culture of Seniorland itself. With contests seeking the craziest Unofcial videos from its tenants and prizes including dinner for entire houses, Roland Realty seems to incentivize participation in party culture.

The company also sponsors regular parties and keeps its ofce stocked with snacks and drinks, fostering a welcoming environment for students. This commitment

to meeting students where they are seems to have paid

of. Roland Realty’s victory among leasing companies on campus demonstrates the sheer loyalty and enthusiasm of its tenants.

A group of girls plays football in front of a house near East Daniels Road and South Hale Street by Roland Realty on Feb. 29.

Registered student organizations

Best Place to Meet New People

Staf Writer ABRAHÁM CHÁVEZ ac108@dailyillini.com

Meeting people can be difcult when you’re starting a new chapter in your life on a campus of over 50,000 students. Balancing work, class, homework and a social life can feel overwhelming — or even impossible.

If you’re trying to find new people to connect with, joining a registered student organization on campus is the best way to go. The University has over 1,800 RSOs that focus on sports, professionals, art, culture and more.

RSOs are a great way to find people in a more casual setting outside of class to unwind.

These groups are a great way to explore hobbies and try things you’ve never done before, such as skydiving, crocheting, learning ASL, drawing or even joining a dance group.

Love the month of October or want to explore filmmaking? There’s a spot for everyone on campus. Looking for a place to explore your niche interest? There’s probably an RSO for that too. RSOs are a great way to find like-minded people looking to delve deeper into their interests and find a community.

RSOs are easiest to explore on Quad Day at the beginning of each school year, so be sure to check them out to find your community and meet your new best friends.

The Bread Company

Best Date Spot

News Editor

ELLA NARAG mnarag2@dailyillini.com

Reminiscent of a candlelit dinner somewhere in the heart of Switzerland, there’s no better place to take your date than The Bread Company. Pizza, pasta, salads or sandwiches — the homely restaurant has it all.

The menu showcases options that supplement an awkward first date or a comfortable 50th. Menu options range from scarfing down an entire pear pizza or delicately chewing a small plate of bruschetta. Suitable for

meat lovers and customers who eat plant-based, there’s a yummy dish for everyone.

You can’t end a date without a sweet treat, and The Bread Company’s got your fix: seven flavors of gelato ready at your fingertips. For those of age, there’s a variety of wines and sangrias to elevate your date to the next level.

But what makes it the perfect date spot is its ambiance. The wooden chairs and tables sit you right at home, and while the music varies during diferent times of day, it always perfectly complements the environment.

Whether there’s a planned

anniversary outing or it’s a casual pick-me-up lunch between classes, The Bread Company is the perfect rendezvous locale for you and your special someone.

« 1st » The Bread Company

« 2nd » Cafe Paradiso

Members of BLNKD, a portrait photography and modeling RSO on campus, participate in a shoot at Merry Ann’s Diner at night.

ANH-KHOI PHAM

» THE DAILY ILLINI

A

JACOBY BANKS-HULL » THE DAILY ILLINI

Steam tunnels Best Secret Spot

Staf Writer

FELICITY ABBOTT fabbott2@dailyillini.com

To escape the hustle and bustle of life on a college campus, it’s essential to find a secret spot to decompress.

This year, the steam tunnels have taken the cake for Best Secret Spot. Originally built to house the steam pipe system, the tunnels run underneath campus and connect many buildings.

While the tunnels with active steam pipes are not accessible to the general public, the tunnels that connect Bevier Hall, Turner Hall and Edward Madigan

Laboratory to the Institute for Genomic Biology and the Roger Adams Laboratory to the Chemistry Annex and Noyes Laboratory are open to the public.

The Chemistry Annex tunnel also features a stairwell where people throughout the years have signed their names on the wall.

Additionally, a tunnel that connects the Armory to Huf Hall is accessible for all University athletes.

Information regarding the tunnels is not widely known, and therefore there is rarely a lot of foot trafc. During the colder months, the steam tunnels are a welcoming system that allows

students to escape the cold while they walk to their classes. The serenity and privacy of the tunnels provide a quiet place year-round for students to escape the chaos that is college life.

Shel Silverstein

Coolest UI Alum

Managing Editor for Reporting LISA CHASANOV lisamc3@dailyillini.com

World-renowned children’s author and poet Shel Silverstein has left the world a far brighter and more welcoming place than he found it. Entire generations have been profoundly influenced by the warmth and creativity of Silverstein’s work.

The Illinois native and University alum is best known for having written and illustrated numerous

beloved children’s books including “The Giving Tree,” “Where the Sidewalk Ends” and “A Light in the Attic.”

The author also wrote two Grammy Award-winning songs, including the Johnny Cash No. 2 Billboard hit “A Boy Named Sue.”

A versatile writer, Silverstein’s work in film and stage writing was also the subject of critical acclaim.

Silverstein’s poetry is best described as whimsical, insightful, silly and wholesome.

The poet attended the University for one semester

« 1st »

Steam Tunnels

« 2nd »

Tumble Inn Tavern

« 3rd »

N/A

« 1st »

before being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving in the Korean War. He died in 1999 at his home in Key West, Florida.

Shel Silverstein

« 2nd »

Dick Butkus

« 3rd »

Hugh Hefner

The darkness of the underground tunnel network leading from Bevier Hall toward Turner Hall on March 1. They connect several campus buildings to each other.

ANIKA KHANDAVALLI » THE DAILY ILLINI

Shel Silverstein, Illinois alumn, poet, author, screenwriter, songwriter and illustrator poses for a professional headshot. The above image is featured in many of Silverstein’s books.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / JERRY UELSMANN

Aquatics Adventure Recreation

Ice Skating

Intramural Activities

Student Wellness

Food & Drink

Hamilton Walker’s Best Fine Dining

Staf Writer LAUREN CASTALDO lnc4@dailyillini.com

If you are looking for a classy setting to celebrate any festivity with a posh dining experience, look no further. Defending its title, the students and community members have again chosen Hamilton Walker’s as the best fine dining in Champaign-Urbana.

The restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Champaign, attracts customers with its menu of steaks, seafood and unique cocktails while capturing the essence of a dapper

1940s steakhouse.

Why not take a break from a busy schedule to feel like royalty for a night?

If the aura and primecut steaks are not enough of an attraction, the delights do not stop there. Hamilton Walker’s boasts a complete menu filled with many mouthwatering appetizers and decadent sides.

The rich, creamy mac and cheese is the perfect compliment to the hearty steak, especially when paired with the butter grilled asparagus, which adds a delightful freshness.

Fine dining is a desire that can not always be easi-

ly satiated, but in C-U, this isn’t a problem. Hamilton Walker’s prevails as a classic community favorite for the perfect luxurious meal with your friends, family, significant other or even just yourself.

« 1st »

Hamilton Walker’s

« 2nd »

Nando Milano

« 3rd »

Silvercreek

Hamilton Walker’s grilled Atlantic salmon with sweet corn.

EMMA PYATT » THE DAILY ILLINI

The Courier Café

Family Restaurant

Staf Writer MARY PIACENTE marypp2@dailyillini.com

When looking for a cozy, nostalgic spot by campus to take friends and family alike, look no further than The Courier Café.

Nestled on North Race Street and only a 10-minute drive from the Main Quad, The Courier Café has been a staple since 1980.

The Courier Café has a menu with vegan, low-calorie and vegetarian options, catering to those with specific dietary restrictions or preferences. The breakfast menu ofers dishes from omelets to

sausage, and the lunch and dinner menu features a salad bar, soups, scrumptious appetizers like wings and Wisconsin cheese, as well as a kids’ menu for little Illini fans. Its hand-dipped shakes and malts are also a favorite among frequent diners.

Along with having delicious menu options for the whole family to enjoy, The Courier Café features a rich history dating back to the 1900s. Alvin Burrows purchased the land where the restaurant now stands in 1916 for the Courier Newspaper — a popular weekly publication that remained in circulation until 1979. In 1980, the building was pur-

The Space

chased and remodeled by the current owner to create the beloved café.

The Courier Café is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Most Unique Restaurant

buzz Editor

MAAIKE NIEKERK maaiken2@dailyillini.com

Since opening in early 2023, The Space in downtown Champaign has been a hit with the Champaign-Urbana community.

The restaurant is truly unique from its eccentric menu to the building’s colorful interior. Tucked in next to Big Grove Tavern and Ladro Enoteca on Main Street, The Space may look unassuming from the outside, but inside is an explosion of colorful art and good smells.

The diner-reminiscent bar

goes to good use, as it hosts a variety of events throughout the year in its small performance area. This includes open mic nights every Tuesday, themed trivia nights and performances from local and touring groups.

The Space’s food never disappoints, coming in at an affordable price with a delicious taste for anyone to enjoy. After getting its start as a hot sauce company, the restaurant’s owners have curated a varied menu that focuses on smash burgers — most of which have names ending in “McSmashFace” —, shareable fries and housemade sauces.

The cozy, art-filled restau-

« 1st »

The Courier Café

« 2nd »

Kofusion

« 3rd »

Legends

rant provides the perfect small-town performance venue vibe. The Space is a hidden gem of downtown Champaign worth a visit for anyone wanting to see the true colors of the C-U community.

« 1st »

The Space

« 2nd »

Dee-Dee’s Beef

« 3rd »

Fat Sandwich Company

Breakfast courses from The Courier Café in downtown Urbana is prepared to be served on Feb. 29.

EMMA PYATT » THE DAILY ILLINI

Ian Nutting presents a dish of burger and fries at The Space in downtown Champaign on the evening of March 2. The Space placed first in four Best of CU 2024 categories.

JAMES HOECK

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Mo’s Burritos

Best Food Truck

Staf Writer BRENDAN RECKA brecka2@dailyillini.com

One of the defining aspects of Champaign food culture is the assortment of trucks spread across campus. Whether it’s a quick lunch between class or latenight munchies, most food trucks in Champaign-Urbana rarely miss the mark.

Mo’s Burritos is one of those trucks that surprises you with the quality of food that can be produced in a motorized vehicle. While the storefront is over a 20-minute walk from Campustown, Mo’s

Burritos blesses the student population by reliably placing its truck outside of Joe’s Brewery almost every night.

Mo’s Burritos clearly shines in the burrito game, but its menu also includes tacos, nachos, quesadillas, elotes and more.

Despite severe lines at peak hours of the night, its crew works impressively, quickly and accurately, and it always includes multiple containers of salsa in the bag.

The fact that so many people consistently choose Mo’s Burritos over other food truck spots open late on Green Street demon-

« 1st »

strates how elite this one is. There are few better sights than the glow of Mo’s Burritos truck after a long night in Champaign.

Mo’s Burritos

« 2nd »

Maize Mexican Grill

« 3rd »

Fernando’s

Merry-Ann’s Diner

Best Breakfast Place

savory sausage patties and crispy bacon.

Every city in America needs — nay, deserves — a good breakfast spot. Luckily, the residents of Champaign-Urbana can rest assured they have one in Merry Ann’s Diner, located on Neil Street and Kirby Avenue.

If you’re looking for a classic American diner that’s open 24 hours with friendly staf and delicious food, Merry Ann’s Diner is the place to be. Warm, flufy and freshly made pancakes, wafes and French toast complement the

The diner’s menu doesn’t just cover breakfast, which gives the experience some versatility.

Just craving something sweet, like a milkshake? Look no further than Merry Ann’s Diner. In need of a bite on a late night out? Merry Ann’s Diner. Hoping to recover from that late night out with a hearty breakfast the next morning? Merry Ann’s Diner.

The diner is well known around the community for its warm, cozy atmosphere that will transport any customer back to the ’80s in a heartbeat.

As a staple of Campustown and the C-U area as a whole, there’s a reason why Merry Ann’s Diner is still taking home the award for Best Breakfast Place over 40 years after it opened in 1983.

« 1st »

Merry-Ann’s Diner

« 2nd »

Cracked The Egg Came First

« 3rd »

The Original Pancake House

Customers line up to recieve their orders from the Mo’s Burritos food truck parked at Fifth and Green Streets at night on March 2.

ANGEL SALDIVAR

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Staf Writer KIEL LEDIN kledin2@dailyillini.com

An assortment of hash browns, toast, pancakes, sausage, eggs and more from Merry Ann’s Diner, taken at the classic breakfast time of 12:30 am.

ANIKA KHANDAVALLI » THE DAILY ILLINI

Fat Sandwich Company

(TIE) Best Drunk Food

Assistant Copy Chief ABBY TIU atiu2@dailyillini.com

After a night out of drinks, dancing and maybe too much fun, nothing compares to biting into a fat sandwich.

Fat Sandwich Company is open until 3 a.m. and is conveniently located on John Street — found right around the corner from Joe’s Brewery. You can find lines of people that go out the door, and for a sweet treat after, Insomnia Cookies is right there.

The brightly lit and lively late-night food spot pro-

vides a special experience in and of itself with music that rivals the bars and a crowd that’s feeling good.

Fat Sandwich Company lives up to its name with sandwiches like the Fat F and Fat Illini, which offer the perfect blend of grease and carbs to soak up any drinks you may have recently consumed.

Based on its namesake, its popular options always have a base of fries and are stuffed with combinations of cheesesteak, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, bacon and more toppings, all nestled in a sub roll.

Fat sandwiches taste better after going out than

during the day, earning the honor of Best Drunk Food. With quick service and high spirits, Fat Sandwich Company is the place to be to end your night.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

(TIE) Best Drunk Food

ATHENA LY athenal2@dailyillini.com

Whether you choose to go out on a Tuesday evening or a Friday night, this brightly lit shop on the corner of Green and Fifth streets welcomes you on your way back home.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers serves the wonderful community of sober folks and those who have had a little too much fun in their evening endeavors until 2 a.m.

The simple menu allows decisions to be made with little to no stress. A mumble of

any number between one and four followed by “Combo” guarantees a fiendish friend for your stomach. Freshly fried chicken fingers, a delectable dipping sauce and a soft piece of Texas toast call your name as you walk away from your study spot or stumble from the bumping music a few blocks west.

If you’re feeling a little fancy, try asking for an Arnold Palmer as your drink of choice. The famously sweet iced tea is paired with its delicious lemonade, and when mixed, you can drink it pretending to be a legendary golf player.

Whether you are sober or

drunk, head over to Raising Cane’s whenever you get the itch. Raising Cane’s will love you no matter your state of being when you choose to walk through its doors.

The Fat F sandwich from Fat Sandwich Company, located on John Street, on March 23. Fat Sandwich Company has come to be a beloved drunk haven for Illinois students.

CANDICE ZHOU » THE DAILY ILLINI

Slotter

Since the recent opening of the location on Green Street, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers draws nightly crowds of students fresh from the bars to enjoy crispy tenders and signature sauce.

Cafe Paradiso

Best Cofee Shop

News Editor ELLA NARAG mnarag2@dailyillini.com

Nothing embodies a local cofee shop like Cafe Paradiso. The customers, staf and ambiance of the entire establishment are at the heart of the Champaign-Urbana area.

Cafe 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 staf. In addition 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 cofee and food is spectacular. Even if you don’t drink cofee, the matcha and other teas are equally 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 Cafe Paradiso.

The Red Herring

Best Vegetarian Food

Staf Writer

A. OISHII BASU aobasu2@dailyillini.com

With its iconic deep red trimmings and sprawling English ivy, The Red Herring is not hard to miss. Located at 1209 W. Oregon St. and founded in 1967, the restaurant was created as a student cafe and a space to cultivate activism during the Vietnam War.

Its founders called it The Red Herring because the anti-government efort at the time was often categorized derogatorily as “red.” Inside, the walls are coated with

murals expressing messages of hope and inspiring social change.

The not-for-profit establishment has cultivated an intertwined history of arts and community. It puts on events with live music and hosts art shows and open mics.

The restaurant functions as a volunteer-run operation. Keeping in line with its environmental principles, The Red Herring locally sources its ingredients by growing produce in-house, accepting food donations and buying local organic food.

The restaurant ofers seasonal all-vegan menus.

« 1st »

Cafe Paradiso

« 2nd »

Espresso Royale

« 3rd »

BrewLab Cofee

In the past, it has ofered items like black bean burgers and bufalo tempeh. The Red Herring is temporarily closed for the rest of the spring semester.

« 1st »

The Red Herring

« 2nd »

Bangkok Thai

« 3rd »

Forage Kitchen

Cafe Paradiso, a cofee shop located at 801 S. Lincoln Ave., has a generally rustic and natural feel and is filled with plants and pleasant aromas.

DAMINI RANA » THE DAILY ILLINI

The Red Herring stands tall on the corner of South Mathews Avenue and West Oregon Street on March 24. The restaurant is currently closed for the season.

ISAAC PINKUS

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Kung Fu Tea

Best Boba

Staf Writer ANDY CHO cccho2@dailyillini.com

With its variety of tasty drinks, Kung Fu Tea has become a student favorite on campus, taking Best Boba for the third year in a row.

Boba, or bubble tea, is a well-known tea-based beverage typically made of tea and milk and with added tapioca pearls. It originated from Taiwan in the 1980s.

The Campustown Kung Fu Tea is located at 707 S. Sixth St., close to the Main Quad and Green Street.

There are multiple options for boba beverages, and customers can add any toppings to their drinks including flavored chewy tapioca, pudding, herbal jelly and aloe jelly.

Aside from delicious boba, there are various types of customizable food such as poke bowls, sushi rolls and sushi burritos, which make for a good combination and bring the customer experience to another level.

Kung Fu Tea also has broad seating space, providing a good vibe where people can spend time studying or just hanging out with friends.

Next time you’re feeling thirsty, craving something sweet to drink or just in the area — consider trying Kung Fu Tea to give the best boba in Champaign-Urbana a shot.

« 1st »

Kung Fu Tea

« 2nd »

Latea

« 3rd »

Teamoji

White grape punch with mango jelly and Classic milk tea with bubbles from Kung Fu Tea located on South Sixth Street in Champaign.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

Best BBQ

Staf Writer ERIC BREWER edb5@dailyillini.com

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, a barbecue joint located at 320 N. Chestnut St. in Champaign, has been feeding the community since 2009. The spot is a community staple with a dedicated fanbase.

Previously, the establishment operated two locations; however, their secondary Urbana location has not been operational since COVID-19 began.

The restaurant has won students over with its brilliant beef brisket and

twice-baked potato casserole. A Georgia peach sauce compliments the brisket perfectly and gives it a sweet, tangy flavor that makes students and the public return for more.

The unique style of the interior of the building makes it stand out from other BBQ restaurants in the area — particularly with its wooden benches.

In a town that’s loaded with great restaurants, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House has found a formula and style that makes it a cut above the rest.

Seasoned barbecue officonado lovers who have yet to eat at Black Dog Smoke

& Ale House are missing out on high-quality slow cooked meats and an amazing off-campus dinner spot for those moments when you’re craving a tender cut of smoky perfection.

Jurassic Grill

Best Burger

Assistant News Editor

MICHAEL BALES mcbales2@dailyillini.com

The burger is one of — if not the most — iconic food items in American culture. It’s not a stretch to say a U.S. college campus would be incomplete without a burger place, and thankfully, Jurassic Grill has us covered.

Whether it’s from the food truck or the storefront that stays open until 3 a.m., a Jurassic Grill burger will satisfy you to the fullest and make you wonder why you ever ordered a burger

before that wasn’t named after a dinosaur. Once the clock strikes 11 a.m., there’s never a bad time for Jurassic Grill.

Hungry on a night out? Grab a nighttime T. rex cheeseburger. Need a quick, filling lunch? Go for a T. rex baconburger. Or you could try my favorite: a post-workout brontosaurus. With two patties, ham, bacon and a fried egg to top it off, the brontosaurus is $11.99 you’ll never regret spending.

Always reliable whenever your stomach needs it the most, Jurassic Grill is the undeniable burger

« 1st » Black Dog

« 2nd »

Wood N’ Hog

« 3rd »

Lil Porgy’s

hot spot of Champaign-Urbana. If you’re on Green Street and in search of this American classic, Jurassic Grill’s unique take on this standard sandwich will never disappoint.

« 1st »

Jurassic Grill

« 2nd »

(TIE) The Space

« 2nd »

(TIE) Culver’s

Four dishes of rib tips and burnt ends from Black Dog Smoke & Ale House on Feb. 9. The sokehouse is located on North Chestnut Street in Champaign.

CANDICE ZHOU » THE DAILY ILLINI

The T. rex burger with extra mushrooms from Jurassic Grill, a campus-favorite spot for late-night munchies and drunk eats, located accessibly on Green Street.

CANDICE ZHOU » THE DAILY ILLINI

The Bread Company

Best Sandwich

Staf Writer

FELICITY ABBOTT

fabbott2@dailyillini.com

The Bread Company, located on Goodwin Avenue in Urbana, boasts a cozy European atmosphere featuring a Swiss- and European-inspired menu.

This year, Best of CU voters determined that The

The Bread Company ofers a variety of cold and grilled sandwiches to satisfy whatever customers are craving.

Cold sandwiches include ham, prosciutto, egg salad, tuna, hummus sandwiches and more. All cold options are served with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles.

If you’re looking for some

The Himalayan Chimney

Cuisines:

Chicken Fish Indian Salads

Seafood Soup

(217) 552-1834

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Mon - Sat: Sun: Noon - 3:00 PM

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas

Best Pizza

Staf Writer STEPHANIE ORELLANA so22@dailyillini.com

Pizza is a timeless Italian treat known for its gooey cheese and tangy tomato sauce. The pizza experience is only improved and enriched with seemingly limitless topping options at each restaurant.

Nestled within the University’s campus are several notable pizza establishments, but according to Best of CU voters, one stands above the rest — Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas.

Located on Oregon

Street adjacent to Espresso Royale, Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas is known for its creative toppings and unique empanada flavors.

When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with a small cozy venue and the aroma of pizzas baking in the oven. From pizzas with goat cheese textured with gorgonzola to slices covered in an assortment of meat toppings, Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas does not disappoint with its unique toppings.

For those craving empanadas, this pizza place has an assortment of flavors, including spicy chicken, veggie manicotti and

raspberry cheesecake.

Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas is home to diverse flavors, perfect for those who prefer a classic pizza and those who enjoy a culinary adventure alike.

Oozu Ramen Bar

Best Ramen

« 1st »

Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas

« 2nd »

Vinny’s By The Slice & More « 3rd »

Papa Del’s Pizza

If you’re in search of delicious, flavorful ramen with a warm and pleasant atmosphere, Oozu Ramen Bar is the place for you. Located on Sixth Street, the restaurant took the title of Best Ramen in this year’s Best of CU edition.

Once you walk into the restaurant, you are immediately greeted by kind hostesses and an automated ramen bowl-shaped machine with simulated chopsticks dipping in and out of it.

Oozu Ramen Bar is

known for its rich and tasty ramen, which is available with various types of meats, noodles and broths that all stem back to their roots in Japan. The broth options consist of tonkotsu, shoyu and miso, with more information on the origins of these broths provided on the massive wall located behind the booths and tables in the restaurant.

Not only can you indulge in tasty, hot ramen, but you can also try one of their many appetizers and scrumptious entrees, such as gyoza, chicken or pork buns, edamame and chicken katsu. With such a

convenient location and a multitude of mouthwatering foods, there is no doubt that Oozu Ramen Bar is an elite place to get all your ramen fixes.

« 1st »

Oozu Ramen Bar

« 2nd »

KoFusion

« 3rd »

Mid Summer Lounge

Manalo’s Pizza & Empanadas is located at 1115 W. Oregon St. in Urbana and is loved by the local community for its top-notch pies.

JACOBY BANKS-HULL

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Staf Writer

A hot bowl of ramen from Oozu Ramen Bar on Feb. 29. Oozu Ramen Bar is located at 601 S. Sixth St. and has been serving members of the C-U community for years.

YICHEN LIU » THE DAILY ILLINI

Jarling’s Custard Cup

Best Milkshake

buzz Editor MAAIKE NIEKERK maaiken2@dailyillini.com

AChampaign-Urbana staple loved by townies and newcomers alike, Jarling’s Custard Cup has always done frozen sweet treats the best. Located of campus on Kirby Avenue, the ice cream shop gives C-U that perfect small-town feel and is a mandatory trip for anyone new to the area.

The milkshake, a beloved dessert classic, is appropriate for all times of year, and Jarling’s Custard Cup nails it every time. Mixed to perfection and great to drink alone or share with friends, the his-

toric ice cream shop has now been voted C-U’s best milkshake for the second year in a row. The silky custard that has been perfected by Jarling’s over decades makes for a truly one of a kind milkshake.

Jarling’s milkshakes represent only a small portion of the creamery’s beverage options, as it also ofers floats, sleets, malts, old-fashioned sodas and more. With a wide range of flavors and toppings to mix in, Jarling’s mixes things up even more with a rotating “flavor of the week” that can be turned into a milkshake.

If you’re disappointed in the lack of ice cream spots on campus, Jarling’s only a few blocks away. A great place

to take anyone for a taste of Champaign, Jarling’s milkshakes are there for you with their top-tier texture and flavor — undeniably a great sweet treat to grab any time of year.

« 1st » Jarling’s

« 2nd »

Culver’s

« 3rd »

Portillo’s

Pandamonium Doughnuts

Best Doughnut

Writer MAIDELY DAVILA mdavi31@dailyillini.com

When you catch a glimpse of the purple-patterned food truck parked at the corner of Goodwin Avenue and Oregon Street, you know you’re in for a treat.

That’s right — Pandamonium Doughnuts has once again reigned supreme as the winner of Best Doughnut in the Champaign-Urbana community.

As the first and only madefrom-scratch doughnut bakery in central Illinois, it boasts

a large catalog of yummy flavors ranging from Saigon cinnamon sugar to chocolate rainbow sprinkles. If you would like to pair your pastry with a drink, it also ofers a selection of cofee and tea.

Not only does it have a large selection of flavors, but customers truly pay for a good amount of food. The doughnuts are honking huge and soft and filling.

The business has been serving the community since 2013 and has since opened both a food truck and a physical location at the Windsor Galleria. While not required, it invites customers to preorder doughnuts via its website,

« 1st »

where they can place an order for pick-up.

A limited amount of doughnuts are baked fresh every morning, so be sure to get yours before they sell out!

Pandamonium

« 2nd »

Dunkin’

« 3rd »

Olde

A Jarling’s Custard Cup worker hands a strawberry milkshake to customers in the afternoon on March 23. The shop is located at 309 W. Kirby Ave.

JAMES HOECK » THE DAILY ILLINI

Staf

A sprinkle doughnut from Pandamonium Doughnuts on March 1. Pandamonium Doughnuts has a Champaign location as well as a food truck.

OLIVIA MCAFOOS » THE DAILY ILLINI

Ye

Donut Shoppe

Jarling’s Custard Cup

Best Ice Cream

Staf Writer ETHAN OSKROBA ethanro2@dailyillini.com

Conspicuously situated on bustling Kirby Avenue, Jarling’s Custard Cup fuses unparalleled quality and a unique homespun charm that has earned it the distinction of Best Ice Cream in Champaign-Urbana.

Jarling’s Custard Cup keeps it simple, ofering just four permanent flavors — vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and lemon — but there’s magic in that styrofoam cup. Every bite is an ode to the ideal nature of custard, with a smooth, creamy texture exud-

ing crisp and vibrant flavor.

The dessert parlor’s delectable oferings are reinforced by its welcoming aura, with the counter positioned frontand-center in the cavernous, barn-like structure. A quaint patio provides customers respite from the cacophony of its surroundings. It’s a setting that seems transposed from an idyllic sketch by Norman Rockwell chronicling a flawless summer night.

Although there is minimal seating, this choice could be viewed as an ode to the typical Midwestern get-together among friends — sitting in a parking lot and enjoying the wonders of a sweet treat.

An indelible fixture of the

community for over four decades, there’s no indication that patrons will soon cease to flock to Jarling’s Custard Cup’s counter to enjoy a delightful dessert and take a trip to custard utopia.

« 1st »

Jarling’s

« 2nd »

Oberweis

« 3rd »

Cold Stone Creamery

Brothers Bar & Grill

Best Sports Bar

Editor in Chief LIKA LEZHAVA lezhava3@dailyillini.com

Burgers, drinks and flat-screen TVs galore — Brothers Bar & Grill has it all.

On Illinois gamedays, the two-story bar lights up its screens with a live broadcast as the booths and barstools are filled with fans decked out in orange and blue.

When the Illini aren’t competing, you can find anything from golf to UFC fighting being shown on any given screen.

While you bite your nails

hoping your parlay hits, you’ll probably want to sip on a drink. Don’t worry — Brothers Bar & Grill has those too.

If you love Long Island iced tea, Brothers Bar & Grill will hook you up with a 32-ounce pitcher of it to go with your world-famous crispy Wisconsin cheese curds. If that’s not enough, try the Wisconsin cheese curd burger.

After opening its doors this past fall, students and sports enthusiasts have found love for this sports bar — and for good reason.

Located off of Green Street, it’s accessible to

anyone in the area craving a night of Illini pride. Watch a game, take a drink and have a good time with a group dedicated to the Illini at Brothers Bar & Grill.

« 1st »

Brothers Bar & Grill

« 2nd »

Murphy’s Pub

« 3rd »

Legends

A single scoop of lemon ice cream in a wafle cone from Jarling’s Custard Cup rests on a table on a sunny spring afternoon on March 23.

JAMES HOECK » THE DAILY ILLINI

University students gather at Brothers Bar & Grill at 601 S. First St. to support the men’s basketball team during a March Madness basketball game.

OLIVIA MCAFOOS

» THE DAILY ILLINI

KAMS

Best On-Campus Bar

On-Air Editor BEN FADER bfader2@dailyillini.com

KAMS, located at the intersection of First and Green streets, has been dubbed this year’s Best On-Campus Bar. The party bar is well-known among students and alumni and has been around since 1933. Changing locations in 2020 has not afected its popularity, as it still attracts a line out the door almost every night of the week.

The “Home of the Drinking Illini” also features this year’s top on-campus drink: the Blue Guy. With its fraternal twin – the Orange Guy –

these sweet beverages sporting the colors of the Illini are commonly spotted with a group of students icing out in the middle of the bar.

KAMS doesn’t just feature Illinois-specific drinks. Its fame has continued through themed nights, such as “Time Warp Tuesday,” where ABBA and more can hardly be heard over the entire bar singing at the top of their lungs. “Friday After Class” also features happy hour deals for students as they head into the weekend, ready to hit up their favorite bar.

Even Kendall Jenner embraced the KAMS experience this year, promoting

her 818 Tequila while serving students from behind the counter.

KAMS is No. 1 in the hearts of Kendall and Best of CU, proving why it remains the place to be.

Rose Bowl Tavern

Best Of-Campus Bar

There are a plethora of great of-campus bars up for this year’s nomination for this award. Champaign-Urbana locals and students cast their votes on what they believed to be the Best Of-Campus Bar, eventually coming to choose the Rose Bowl Tavern.

The tavern, located at 106 N. Race St., has been known for its honkey-tonk and divebar style since 1946, as well as its live music and lively atmosphere.

It comes as no surprise that the Rose Bowl Tavern is beloved by the community. Its packed event calendar includes multiple performances and activities every night. From theme parties and live performances to trivia nights and open-mics, there is no shortage of fun to be had at the Tavern.

In addition to its energetic environment and packed calendar, the Rose Bowl Tavern is also known for its diverse drinks menu. The best part about its menu is that there is truly something for everyone. Whether you like beer, wine, cocktails or nonalcoholic drinks, the Tavern has it all.

« 1st » KAMS « 2nd »

Murphy’s Pub « 3rd »

The Red Lion

« 1st »

With all that being said, grab your friends or family and head over to the Rose Bowl Tavern to enjoy the best the C-U community has to ofer.

Rose Bowl Tavern

« 2nd »

Barrelhouse 54

« 3rd »

Seven Saints

A line for KAMS grows during Unoficial weekend on March 2. KAMS is a popular bar among Univeristy students and is busy most nights of the week.

JAMES HOECK

Patrons sit inside The Rose Bowl Tavern on Race Street, and order drinks on a Friday night in Urbana on March 2. Rose Bowl Tavern often hosts musical acts on their stage.

KAMS Blue Guy

Best On-Campus Drink

Staf Writer SAM GREGERMAN sg94@dailyillini.com

Whether it’s been a long day of classes and you’re ready for Time Warp Tuesday, or the weekend has arrived and KAMS is calling your name, one drink dons the crown on the University campus.

The beloved Blue Guy is the quintessential college bar drink: fizzy, sweet and made up of an indiscernible mixture of vodka and energy drink.

The campus favorite consists of one shot of

vodka and about four to five ounces of Bam! Energy Drink, resulting in a blue-raspberry-flavored concoction loaded with caffeine and an undetectable amount of alcohol that always makes students come back for more.

Often ordered in groups of at least four cups at a time, the Blue Guy has an iron grip on the University’s population. Each drink is uniquely crafted by hardworking student bartenders, and the true essence of a KAMS Blue Guy is captured within the Illini pride that comes with drinking it.

If you’re looking for the

authentic Illini experience, head on over to KAMS for its award-winning signature drink. It is a guaranteed inimitable experience and — hopefully — a treasured memory.

Tumble Inn Tavern punch

Best Of-Campus Drink

On-Air Editor

BEN FADER bfader2@dailyillini.com

If you ever find yourself walking around downtown Champaign looking for a place to stop for a drink with friends, Tumble Inn Tavern has a beverage for you!

Found on Neil Street, the Tavern is a popular place among locals looking for a chat and beers, but it offers more than just brew. The Tumble Inn Tavern punch was voted as the Best Of-Campus Drink in this year’s Best of CU.

When you search the

Tavern on Yelp, most of the reviews mention a friendly establishment with a great bartender willing to spark a good conversation. What better to match this light-hearted atmosphere than a sweet spiked punch to turn a good night into a great night?

With a consistent bartender, the punch is always the same: a perfect blend of alcohol and juices that knocks everything else out of the park. The drink is something fun for everyone to enjoy. The signature punch is made with pineapple juice, cranberry juice, cherry McGillicuddy and mango vodka.

So, if you go downtown for a fun night, be sure to stop by with your friends or family for the best punch and best of-campus drink in Champaign-Urbana.

A Blue Guy from KAMS is held on the second floor of the bar on March 4, 2023.

The punch from Tumble Inn Tavern, located in downtown Champaign of Neil Street, is a fan-favorite drink for those looking to have a night out of campus.

It is with a grateful and humbled heart, that I write this message to the Illini and local community. In the summer of 2011, my fiancé and I moved to Champaign, to either go back to school or begin our own business. Through God’s grace, I found the little corner that became Maize, and our lives changed. With the support of our eclectic clientele, we were blessed to be voted #1 in Best of CU, and then every year thereafter. Little Maize will be torn down this June for new construction, but we will always have the beautiful memories! Thank you, to all the students that have come and gone and that impacted our lives and made little Maize what it became. Thank you, for the support from the local community that ventured into campus to try our food. Thank you, to all my current and past employees, I loved working together and your hard work and dedication, still motivates me to work harder. Thank you to my now wife and son for their patience, and the sacrifices made by all the time being away from them to keep on working on our dream.

Sincerely,

Armando Sandoval Manjarrez

Maize Mexican Grill

Oozu Ramen Bar

Sakanaya

Chopstix

Bangkok Thai

Best Thai Food

Jip Bap

Best Korean Food

Mia Za’s Cafe

Best Italian Food

Shawarma Joint

Best Middle Eastern Food

Vanilla Latte

Best On-Campus Cofee Order

Cafe Paradiso

Best Study Spot w/ Food

The Literary

Best Study Spot w/ Cofee

Local Businesses

nuEra

Best Smoke Shop / Dispensary

Staf Writer MEGHNA SARKAR meghna4@dailyillini.com

nuEra stands out as the premier destination for cannabis fans for a multitude of reasons. While other smoke shops might boast flashier varieties of glassware and accessories, nuEra has the goods consumers are looking for in whatever form they care to find them.

Whether you’re shopping for edibles, vape carts, topicals or concentrates, nuEra has you covered with its comprehensive inventory of high-quality products. It carries a diverse range of strains

as well as elevated twists on popular classics like sour diesel and blue dream.

nuEra caters to both recreational and medical users, ofering detailed guidance on obtaining a medical marijuana card as well as a generous discount for newly registered medical patients.

Its website also includes a Higher Education Hub with resources aimed at creating a more enlightened cannabis collective. It frequently carries featured deals and discounts, and you can sign up to join its rewards program and earn points for every purchase you make.

nuEra’s approach to customer service is committed

to building a community of responsible cannabis enthusiasts. With its unparalleled selection, quality and expertise, nuEra sets the gold standard.

« 1st » nuEra

« 2nd »

Evergreen

« 3rd » Barbiezz

A customer grabs a branded nuEra bag from the employee at the counter. nuEra, located at the corner of Green and First streets, serves as a haven for all high-llini, as its billboard says.

OLIVIA

No Regrets Tattoos

Best Tattoo Shop

Staf Writer JENNY LIN sijiel2@dailyillini.com

Exploring tattoos and piercings is often a popular task on college students’ bucket lists. This is No Regrets Tattoos & Body Piercing’s third year as University students and community members’ top choice for lifelong tattoos.

Upon arrival, customers are greeted by skilled artists amid a vibrant display of tattoo designs accompanied by punk music and clean equipment.

Founded in 2007 and located in the heart of downtown Champaign, the estab-

lishment is renowned among tattoo and piercing enthusiasts. It has earned a positive online reputation on Yelp and is favored by University students on forums like Reddit.

No Regrets is open daily from noon to 10 p.m. and ofers walk-in services for piercings and consultations over tattoo schedules.

The studio is committed to providing afordable prices, a clean environment and convenient policies to the Champaign-Urbana community.

No Regrets employs seven tattoo artists who specialize in a wide range of design styles from realistic portraits to blackwork and neo-illus-

trative styles. Clients can schedule appointments with any tattoo artist or piercer through Instagram or its ofcial website, where updates on schedules and portfolios are regularly posted.

« 1st »

No Regrets Tattoos

« 2nd »

« 3rd »

Urbana Campus Barber Shop

Best Place to Get a Haircut

buzz Editor

MAAIKE NIEKERK maaiken2@dailyillini.com

College is a time for self-discovery, self-expression and, most importantly, the chance to try out that one haircut you’ve never gotten but always kind of wanted. Even if you’re not looking to get too creative, it can be fun to mess with your image a bit for the first time.

If it’s getting a little hard to tell the back of your head from the front, and your next trip home is weeks away, you might need to face the terrifying task of picking an

on-campus barber. Luckily, Urbana Campus Barber Shop is here for you.

Nestled between Cafe Paradiso and Jimmy John’s on Lincoln Avenue, the small business is a textbook barber shop in every way. From the red, white and blue striped poles outside to the oldtimey signs indoors, Urbana Campus Barber Shop’s friendly service and efcient cuts will have you looking your best through a quick and easy appointment.

Next time you’re stressing over timing your at-home haircuts right before you return to campus, book your appointment right here in

«

Champaign-Urbana. Chosen by the people, Urbana Campus Barber Shop’s welcoming atmosphere is here to clean you up — or assist with your college transformation.

Matt Stines inks Josh Green on the night of March 2 at No Regrets Tattoos, located at 117 W. Church St.

JAMES HOECK » THE DAILY ILLINI

James Steur, a graduate student studying political science, gets his haircut at the Urbana Campus Barber Shop on South Lincoln Avenue and West Nevada Street on Feb. 28.

ISAAC PINKUS » THE DAILY ILLINI

The Space

(TIE) Best Small Business

buzz Editor

MAAIKE NIEKERK maaiken2@dailyillini.com

With four firstplace wins this year and one second place, The Space has undoubtedly made its impact on the Champaign-Urbana community.

Delicious food, live performances and fun events — The Space has it all. In terms of new small businesses with a great atmosphere, the restaurant takes the cake across the board. Friendly staff makes the restaurant experience all the better, combined

with delectable smells and some of the tastiest food in downtown Champaign.

The Space is a perfectly unique spot, making it an easy pick for Best Small Business. Graffiti-like artwork on the interior sets the vibe, with bright modern lighting bathing the restaurant in a multi-colored glow. The restaurant’s details make an ordinary eating experience much more fun, from the colorful seating to the bar overlooking the diner-style setup.

Making one of the biggest impacts of any singular location on this year’s Best of CU, The Space’s

Plant Mode

(TIE) Best Small Business

artistic vibe has not gone unnoticed. Next time you’re looking for a small business to support in the Champaign-Urbana area, check out The Space for a great night out.

« 1st »

(TIE) The Space

« 1st »

(TIE) Plant Mode

« 3rd » N/A

As you waltz through downtown Champaign, you might be intrigued to wander into Plant Mode — a crucial part of the vibrant small businesses throughout Champaign-Urbana.

As you step through the glass doors into the budding plant store, you are immediately transported into a psychedelic jungle paradise marked with eclectic wall art, with a wide variety of well-maintained plants and locally designed T-shirts. All

of these items are carefully curated and reasonably priced by the owner, who opened Plant Mode in order to serve his hometown community.

The wide variety of plants is categorized by traits such as toxicity for pets and the necessary quantity of light. Guests are encouraged to seek guidance from the owner, who normally manages the front desk.

Alongside plants, the new shop boasts good vibes. Surrounded by the warm light and bright colors permeating Plant Mode, customers feel rejuvenated and inspired by their surroundings.

Plant Mode’s introduc-

tion into the zeitgeist of plant stores in the community in 2013 was immediately well received, with a rapidly developing and growing base of customers.

« 1st »

(TIE) The Space

« 1st »

(TIE) Plant Mode

« 3rd » N/A

Chef Ian “Lazer” Lamkin (left) and co-owner Ian Nutting (right) prepare a delicious meal at The Space on March 2.

JAMES HOECK » THE DAILY ILLINI

Plant Mode, a quaint houseplant store located in the heart of downtown Champaign, on March 8. In addition to the stocked plants, the shop accepts special requests for specific varieties.

JACOB SLABOSZ

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Twice is Nice

Best Thrift Store

Located inside a house in the historic West Urbana neighborhood just off campus, Twice is Nice is volunteer-run by the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana.

First opened in 2008, the store’s goal is to provide an affordable and sustainable source of material goods for locals and students alike. Since then, circular fashion has become even more important.

Fifty percent of all proceeds go to restoring the

home, originally built in 1901 by architect and Urbana native Joseph Royer. The other 50% goes directly to community service organizations in Champaign-Urbana, such as the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club.

The thrift store offers a warm welcoming atmosphere with prices untouched by inflation and a wide variety of vintage clothes, shoes, books, decor and more.

Twice is Nice is a cash-only establishment and is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It also accepts

donations during these hours.

Whether you’re looking for a charming trinket or a cozy woolen jacket, Twice is Nice is the perfect place to go on an adventure with friends.

« 1st »

Twice is Nice « 2nd »

Plato’s Closet

« 3rd »

Goodwill

Jane Addams Book Shop

Best Bookstore

the Bible — all housed in 18 sections across three floors.

Having been in business for 40 years now, the Jane Addams Book Shop has earned itself a comfortable reputation as a literary pillar in the Champaign-Urbana area.

There is no question as to why the bookstore consistently ranks amongst the top of its kind every year. The store offers an estimated 70,000 titles spanning 100 categories, which range from urban African fiction to rare editions of

This expansive collection fills charming mazes of bookshelves in rooms adorned with well-loved reading nooks, antique light fixtures and cozy artwork. Much of this collection is intertwined with the community, passed on by generations of patrons in exchange for store credit, some of which is given to local charities.

The bookstore has everything a reader needs, from new releases to vintage classics at an affordable proice. If you are a

newcomer to the neighborhood, it is hard not to feel at home when you walk through Jane Addams Book Shop: its homely vibe can only be found in a local used bookstore.

« 1st »

Jane Addams

« 2nd »

The Literary

« 3rd »

Illini Union Bookstore

A second floor view of the Jane Addams Bookstore, located on North Neil Street in Champaign, on March 1.

ANIKA KHANDAVALLI » THE DAILY ILLINI

Staf Writer A. OISHII BASU aobasu2@dailyillini.com ISAAC PINKUS » THE DAILY ILLINI

Staf Writer

RIDDHIMA PATLLOLLU rp35@dailyillini.com

Shoppers browse the wide variety of items in the Twice is Nice thrift store located at 607 W. Elm St. on March 2.

Music & Arts

Venus Overdrive

Best Local Band

Assistant News Editor JESSIE WANG jessiew4@dailyillini.com

The band scene in Champaign-Urbana has produced many popular groups, including influential artists such as American Football and REO Speedwagon.

Most recently, the scene has produced Kangaroo Court, which is now based in Chicago. The band shows no signs of stopping with its 2023 debut album “This is Kangaroo Court.”

With so many venues to choose from it’s no wonder so many bands sprout from central Illinois. Campus

community members also religiously attend events at DIY venues throughout Urbana.

These events present the opportunity to find your new favorite band, with Venus Overdrive at the top of the list.

Venus Overdrive’s music is perhaps best described as genre-bending; it defies traditional categories and draws inspiration from indie to rock to pop sounds. Consisting of vocalist Marieli Lopez, guitarist Alexander Ishmael and drummer Ava Stanhope, the group was founded in the fall of 2022 and performed at Pygmalion last fall.

Keep your eyes peeled for this dynamic trio by following the band on Instagram — @venusoverdrive — or checking out your next local house show on a Friday night.

The Canopy Club

Best Venue

Staf Writer MALLORY MILLER mm167@dailyillini.com

The Canopy Club, complete with three staging areas, strobe lights and a large screen to project colorful graphics, is a no-brainer for this year’s Best Venue.

The venue is named after the most diverse region of the rainforest, the canopy, and holds itself to a similar standard in terms of its operation.

“The Canopy Club is committed to diversity in the entertainment we provide for our patron base,” wrote the venue on its website. “We also

strive to foster an environment of activism for positive social and environmental change.”

Living up to its name, The Canopy Club regularly hosts a variety of artists to cater to everyone. From drag shows to a capella sets, you would be hard-pressed to find nothing that fits your style.

The venue is also praised by students and locals alike for its accessibility. The Canopy Club is situated a block from the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on campus. The average ticket price is $15, making it one of the cheapest places to see a show in the Champaign-

« 1st »

Venus Overdrive

« 2nd »

Taurus Hate Club

« 3rd »

Manifest West

« 1st »

Urbana area.

Operating from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. to cater to your latenight musical needs, there’s no better place to feel the beat than The Canopy Club.

The Canopy Club

« 2nd »

Rose Bowl Tavern

« 3rd »

Krannert Center

Venus Overdrive, a Champaign-native band, performs before Kangaroo Court takes the stage at the Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana on Nov. 4.

MATT STEPP

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Members of the crowd dance to music from Peng at the Canopy Club on Feb. 29 to earn a spot in the Solshine Reveire Festival.

JAMES HOECK

» THE DAILY ILLINI

The Barn Best House Show Venue

Staf Writer

DHRUV BARONIA baronia3@dailyillini.com

House shows are an integral part of the Champaign-Urbana community. They not only serve as a space for socialization and partying, but also as a space in which community members can expand the proud musical history of campus.

The Barn, a relatively new location, has taken the scene by storm, as it has been putting on consistently good shows and fostering a fun, safe environment for lovers of all genres. You

can often find beloved local acts, such as Bum Rush, Venus Overdrive and 4x4 Animal Style performing at this Urbana venue.

The location has a unique aesthetic that blends retro technologies like CRT TVs with more modern stage-design elements.

This is also a location that puts on shows more often than most, with a scheduled slate of performances almost every weekend.

The Barn livestreams all of its shows on YouTube, so you can be there in spirit if you are unable to go in person.

With the level of care put into the overall production, programming and safety at the venue, it has quickly become a fan-favorite location for music lovers in C-U.

‘Alma Mater’ on Skyline Tower

Best Mural/Artwork

orange drapery billow around the statue and a violet helical structure crowns its head.

Walk down Green Street, pass by the Skyline Tower and look up. You’re looking at the “Alma Mater” mural created by Chicago artist Levar Hoard. The artwork was painted by muralists Ryan “Yanoe” Sarfati and Eric “Zoueh” Skotnes.

Looming at a staggering 160 feet, the mural basks in the orange glow of the setting sun from its prominent position. Cast behind the “Alma Mater” is a vivid blue and orange cloudscape. Florals and

The mural stands out among the otherwise gray, familiar streets of campus. The splash of color against the cement walls of the Skyline Tower brings life to its surroundings.

Among both the aged and modern buildings that coexist on the University’s campus, the mural acts as a bridge between the University’s past and present. The magnificent “Alma Mater” mural truly resembles the energy of the campus community. It is only fitting that the mural lies on Green Street, arguably the

biggest center of campus life.

The mural, a distinguishable landmark of Champaign-Urbana, breathes spirit into Campustown from its perch on Skyline Tower.

Kloe, a band from the Chicago Suburbs, performs at “Barn Fest” at The Barn. The Barn packed its living room, filling to capacity on March 24.

MATT STEPP

» THE DAILY ILLINI

The mural of Alma Mater on Skyline Tower peeks out from adjacent buildings, as seen towering over Green Street on Feb. 25.

Moms Weekend

The Courier Café

Best Place to Take Your Mom to Brunch

Assistant Sports Editor ADAM ROSEN arrosen2@dailyillini.com

The Courier Café in Urbana is a local classic. The restaurant opened in 1980 and is housed in the oldest building in Urbana. Formerly a newspaper office for the Courier Newspaper, much of the café’s charm can be attributed to the old-school newspaper equipment that is still on display to customers in glass cases at the front.

With the large menu and friendly waitstaff, it’s the perfect place to take your mother to brunch on any

given morning. The menu is filled with traditional breakfast foods such as a corned beef hash, pancakes and the Courier Breakfast, which comes with two eggs, a choice of sausage, ham or bacon, hashbrowns and a side of toast.

The lunch menu includes a salad bar, a variety of Urbana-themed burgers and a kid’s menu. For those looking to finish off with dessert, there are several options headlined by the hand-dipped shakes and malts.

If your family visits for Moms Weekend or graduation, remember to partake in a visit to The Courier

Café for the food, hospitality and the unique atmosphere of an antique building.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to take your mom to brunch than The Courier Café.

« 1st »

The Courier Café

« 2nd »

The Bread Company

« 3rd »

The Literary

Biaggi’s Ristorante

Best Place to Take Your Mom to Dinner

ASHWIN PADMANABHAN ap66@dailyillini.com

The University may be known for its top-ofthe-line engineering and computer science departments as well as its rich nightlife culture — but one thing that is often criticized is the lack of upscale dining in the area.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano is the perfect place to take your mom to dinner. At first glance, it could seem like your typical Italian American restaurant, but upon walking through the entrance you are taken into an elegant, classy

and inviting dining space filled with staf prepared to go above and beyond to give their diners the best experience possible.

The menu consists of various Italian classics from lasagna bolognese and chicken marsala to more unique monthly features like trufe mac and cheese or chicken piemontese. The menu guarantees something for both you and your mom to enjoy.

The biggest perk to the restaurant is the bread samplers it shares at the beginning. With olive oil, parmesan and some pepper, try dipping either the soft focaccia or the tougher baguette

into the complimentary dips.

Next time mom is in town and you’re in search of a high-quality place to eat, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano is a perfect option.

« 1st »

TIE: Biaggi’s Ristorante

« 2nd »

TIE: Hamilton’s Walker

« 3rd »

TIE: Seven Saints

A cheese omelette from The Courier Café on Feb. 29.

Staf Writer

A plate of honey roasted beet and arugula from Biaggis Ristorante Italiano on Mar. 23. The restuarant serves as a perfect spot to bring your mom for a top-notch dinner.

CANDICE

I Hotel

Best Hotel to Book for Moms Weekend

Staf Writer ANDY CHO cccho2@dailyillini.com

Beating many other hotels in town, the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center has been named the Best Hotel to Book for Moms Weekend this year. The I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center is an on-campus hotel located at 1900 S. First St. near southern Campustown and the State Farm Center.

Also known as the place to host academic conferences and professional events, the hotel is a great place to spend the night due to its nice location and various amenities.

This hotel has diferent types of rooms that all come with comfy beds and large windows that allow natural light to come in. It is also a pet-friendly hotel, providing families opportunities to bring their pets to enjoy Moms Weekend.

Inside the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center, there is not only a spa center but dining places like Houlihan’s, catering to your craving for American dishes, or the I Cafe, where you can grab coffee with some quick meals.

The hotel’s parking lot is large and close to the University parking lots, so guests will not need to worry about finding a space to park. As

Moms Weekend approaches in April, if your family plans to visit campus and still needs to book a place in the C-U area to stay, the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center will make your moms feel right at home.

Brothers Bar & Grill

Avisit from mom and dad isn’t complete without a delicious meal a fridge stocked with groceries and a few souvenirs — all sponsored by their credit card, of course.

However, the problem arises when all the free food options have been exhausted and some new clothes are the only obvious choice left. The problem — what to do with dad?

Besides his ability to shoulder several pounds of shopping bags, dad is nones-

sential to a sacred shopping trip. Luckily for all parties involved, Champaign-Urbana has the perfect solution: Brothers Bar & Grill.

Brothers Bar & Grill is just a quick walk from campus and a go-to gameday hotspot. With a menu stocked full of finger food and a full-service bar, dad is sure to be entertained for the shopping trip’s duration.

Brothers Bar & Grill is open from 11-2 a.m. every day of the week, and it is rare to see it without excited customers eating, drinking and watching various sporting events.

The ambient warm light-

ing, lively music and stellar customer service guarantee a relaxing landing spot. Brothers Bar & Grill is, without a doubt, the best place to store dad while mom takes you shopping.

Family and friends chatting in the lobby of I Hotel on the afternoon afternoon of March 23.

JAMES

Staf Writer SAM

Brothers Bar & Grill on Feb. 29. The bar recently reopened a campus location and has quickly become a fan-favorite.

KAMS

Best Bar for Your Mom

Assistant Sports Editor CONOR BLOUNT cblount3@dailyillini.com

It does not matter how familiar your mom is with Champaign-Urbana — there’s always fun to be had at KAMS. Voted the Best Bar for Your Mom in this year’s Best of CU, KAMS is acutely suited for accommodating visiting mothers.

Featuring a roster of drinks that includes its signature Blue and Orange guys, KAMS keeps things interesting with themed nights, and none lends itself to bridging generations more than “Time Warp

Tuesday.” Centered around the musical selection being exclusively throwback hits, students can get a taste of what the scene was like in their moms’ heydays.

Located on the northeast corner of First and Green streets, KAMS is one of the campus’ top spots on any given day and goes all out with its Moms Weekend marketing each year. The “Home of the Drinking Illini” creates a special shirt for the weekend every time it rolls around. On top of that, it encourages mothers to show their children what they’ve got with Instagram captions such as “LETS SEE IF UR MOMS

CAN OUTDRINK YOU THIS WEEKEND.”

This Moms Weekend, bring mom along for the fun by taking her out to a space curated perfectly for her to visit.

Alpha Delta Phi

Best Frat to Take Your Mom

ELLA NARAG mnarag2@dailyillini.com

ATudor Revival-style house — or the home of the brothers of Alpha Delta Phi — is the perfect fraternity to take your mom to. It’s filled with laughter and fun and will surely remind your mom what it was like in college.

The chapter house is located a perfect walking distance from Green Street and local bars, so it’s a perfect place to visit after a meal or on your way to brunch at Joe’s Brewery.

The University ADPhi chapter started in 1911 and boasts hundreds of alumni nationwide. Since its reorganization in 2020, Alumni have supported current brothers through donations and scholarships. The fraternity’s goal is to improve awareness in both learning and teaching — all desirable traits to showcase to your mom.

crazy, because ADPhi does too. Her values don’t align with theirs by perfect luck alone — ADPhi truly is the best frat to take your mom to. News Editor

If she values intelligence and dignity, ADPhi does too. If she likes lilies of the valley and the colors white and emerald green, ADPhi does too. If she looks up and loves the stars and crescents at night, that’s

« 1st » KAMS « 2nd »

Joe’s Brewery « 3rd » Illini Inn

« 1st »

Alpha Delta Phi « 2nd »

Phi Gamme Delta « 3rd » N/A

Students from the Champaign-Urbana community celebrate the 2024 Unoficial St. Patricks Day at KAMS, which was decorated like an Irish pub, on March 2.

JAMES HOECK » THE DAILY ILLINI

The Alpha Delta Phi, or ADPhi or Alpha Delts, fraternity on Daniel Street on Feb. 29.

DAMINI RANA » THE DAILY ILLINI

University of Illinois Arboretum

Best Place to Go on a Walk With Your Mom

Staf writer NINA ATHANASOPOULOS aka10@dailyillini.com

With Moms Weekend on the horizon, planning for where to take one’s mother could be at the forefront of one’s mind. Most students have been there: Mom wants to spend time outside and, believe it or not, doesn’t want to spend hours holed away in a library watching you study for exams.

Beyond the South Quad is the University of Illinois Arboretum. Known here as a living laboratory for plant research and teaching, Best of CU has renamed the Arbo-

retum as the Best Place to Go on a Walk with Your Mom.

The Arboretum is home to a variety of flora and fauna for mothers to ask rhetorical questions about. Consider strolling through the Idea Garden, where your mom can sign the guestbook.

Wander around the pond, strategically avoiding the semi-hostile geese and keeping an ear out for the American bullfrog. Perhaps take a moment to lift a rock in the oak grove and show your mom what might be living under it. Just because you’re taking her for a nice walk doesn’t mean you can’t scare her with a spider or two.

Of course, don’t forget the

pride of the Arboretum: the Sen Cherry Tree Allée tucked away in Japan House. Consider stopping by an event at Japan House before roaming outside to appreciate the cherry blossoms.

KAMS Blue Guy

Best Drink to Get Your Mom

MARY PIACENTE marypp2@dailyillini.com

If there is one drink that is synonymous with the University to students and alumni alike, it’s the KAMS Blue Guy. It’s fun, it’s blue and it’s a classic Illini beverage.

If you ask your alumni parents or friends, they’ll regale you with tales of these blue drinks that they automatically associate with the best and worst nights at KAMS, its bar of origin.

The drink is one part vodka and one part Bam!

energy drink combined to make any night at KAMS an enjoyable one. It boasts a unique and sweet taste of blue raspberry that might be a little too easy to down, potentially creating a rough morning the following day. However, with the inclusion of caffeine, the Blue Guy will keep you going into the late night. Its price point helps with its timeless popularity. Blue Guys rarely go above $2-3 for KAMS patrons during weekly deals at the bar’s “Time Warp Tuesday” and 1-2-3 Monday events.

So, if you want to indulge in some classic

« 1st »

U OF I Arboretum

« 2nd »

Main Quad

« 3rd »

Boneyard Creek

Champaign-Urbana culture, grab a Blue Guy this Moms Weekend. Just don’t give too many to your mom or else it might make a memorable night forgettable.

« 1st »

KAMS Blue Guy

« 2nd »

High Noon

« 3rd »

Bloody Mary

Aerial view of the University of Illinois Arboretum and Japan House, located along South Lincoln Avenue in Champaign County.

Staf Writer

A student holds onto a Blue Guy during the Unoficial St. Patrick’s Day celebration at KAMS on March 2.

ANNE SCHMIDT

» THE DAILY ILLINI

Sonic Drive-In

Best Diet Coke

Managing Editor for Reporting LISA CHASANOV lisamc3@dailyillini.com

Diet Coke is best described as a nectar of the gods. There is simply no liquid that comes close to its understated sophistication and allure.

What is the embodiment

of childlike wonder if not a large styrofoam cup filled with nugget ice and the best invention ever pioneered by the Coca-Cola corporation?

Although the charms of a McDonald’s Diet Coke are understandable, the masses are overlooking the clear superiority of Sonic, America’s Drive-In.

With two locations in the

Champaign-Urbana area, Sonic serves up a roster of exquisite beverages.

The Route 44 beverage size is exactly as it sounds — 44 ounces of whatever liquid you desire — complete with any flavor syrup that makes your heart sing.

Furthermore, the chain ofers real lemon, lime, strawberries and maraschi-

Basketball games

Best On-Campus Experience

Sports Editor JAMES KIM jamessk4@dailyillini.com

The wonderful part about campus life at the University of Illinois is that there is no shortage of things to do. There are experiences of all diferent varieties for stu-

dents to enjoy, yet there is one that stands above the rest.

For anyone looking to get immersed in Illini culture or simply on the hunt for an exhilarating environment to let out some stress, it’s time to look no further than the thrills of attending a basketball game at the

DANC 100

Best Class

Introduction to Contemporary Dance will create a memorable experience for your undergraduate experience. The class requires minimal outside work and is a great way to fit exercise into

a busy week.

The class provides a new perspective on what dance can be when it is viewed as an art and practiced in a judgment-free environment.

The final project for the class is to create a five-minute dance routine with randomly assigned partners. Despite this sounding intimidating,

no cherries as optional additions to each beverage, which comes standard with The Good Ice — patent pending.

The absolute best place to obtain a Diet Coke in Champaign is at Sonic Drive-In. McDonald’s fans, accept your defeat and take the win with your superior Sprite.

State Farm Center.

From the moment you step foot into the arena, you will be surrounded by a sea of orange. Illini fans are some of the most passionate in the country, and the rowdy atmosphere they bring will have your heart pumping as the team competes on the court.

The lights, sounds and excitement of watching Illinois basketball is absolutely electrifying, and the consistent “I-L-L” chants from across the Orange Krush student section will leave no doubt in your mind as to what it means to be an Illini.

collaborating with other people on such a beautiful piece of art created a really meaningful connection. Performing the dance for the class, groups can feel incredibly proud of what they put out and feel great about it.

The class also helps students see dance under a cultural lens. Graduate teacher’s

assistant Banafsheh Amiri shared invaluable perspectives about her experience as an Iranian dancer.

DANC 100 leaves students feeling genuinely proud of their work and eforts, as well as connected to a class full of new friends through this Introduction to Contemporary Dance.

Assistant Opinions Editor MEGAN HARDING mhard6@dailyillini.com

Philosophy Club

Best Place to Yap

Assistant News Editor

JESSIE WANG jessiew4@dailyillini.com

The word “yap” has recently entered the popular lexicon. Defined in slang terms as talking “shrilly, noisily or foolishly,” the term is commonly used in phrases such as “born to yap, forced

to work.”

So, for those who love to ramble, for those who love to spiel, for those who go on elaborate tangents, undoubtedly the best place to visit is the University of Illinois’s own Philosophy Club.

Philosophy Club meets on Thursdays at 6 p.m. on the third floor of Gregory

Hall and covers a new topic every week. Past topics this semester include all of the classics — love, regret and food.

If you are a purveyor of nebulous concepts or frequently imagine yourself as Sisyphus — or The Rock — this is the club for you. It is open to anyone and everyone, and you need not be a

philosophy major to join. The diverse perspectives within the group create an ideal environment for stimulating discussion.

If you’re looking for even more than a good yap, the club also has socials at Legends after Thursday meetings, movie screenings and a book club that meets every Saturday at noon.

Marching Illini full uniform

Best Outfit

buzz Editor MAAIKE NIEKERK maaiken2@dailyillini.com

Ah, the greatest struggle in the life of a college student — whatever to wear? Surely no outfit can be perfect for all forms of weather, convenient for everyday wear

and, most importantly, portray the correct amount of Illini spirit?

Au contraire; the Marching Illini full uniform has it all. Complete with a beautiful blue plume for extra height, shoes made for marching through all sorts of inclement weather and a chin strap for your chin or mouth, this out-

Circle K

fit is truly the most iconic on campus.

The uniform isn’t just for marching — it’s an excellent choice for running the mile, chowing down on Jimmy John’s at top speed, sprinting to the top of the student section and more.

The highlight of the fit? Nothing says cute like that

Best Place to Travel to at Night

Features Editor LILLIE SALAS lmsalas2@dailyillini.com

This life can be a dreary one. As you aim to push forward through the everyday trials and tribulations of being human, days can become longer and longer. What can combat

the looming feeling of being caught in a time loop?

The answer is not any sort of medication, therapy or spending time with friends or family. The solution is taking a trip to the nearest Circle K and buying 42 ounces of pop.

Located conveniently on both the Urbana and Champaign ends of Green Street,

venturing to the gas station for a sweet treat and a fun drink is a must. Whether the trip is for a pick-me-up or you bring a group of friends at the end of a whimsical night on the town, this spot is perfect.

As you enter the building, you are greeted by a hardworking Circle K veteran

snazzy orange cape. The double-sided accessory gives you that superhero feel and makes everything you do look 10 times cooler.

So, what’s the best part of being a college band kid? Not having to worry about your gameday outfit. There’s nothing better than twinning with over 400 of your best friends.

standing guard in front of the shelves of nicotine products. Aisles lined with snacks — small and large — are stationed throughout, leading the shopper to the drink sections.

Slushies, soda and juices galore! Let your imagination run wild within the magical walls of your nearest Circle K.

Illini Union Bookstore

Best Spot to be Abrubtly Confronted by Your Past

Assistant Opinions Editor AARON ANASTOS aaronda3@dailyillini.com

There you are once again, in the arduously winding queue leading to the checkout at the Illini Bookstore. It’s time again for the biannual tradition of simultaneously emptying your

wallet and bank account just to skim through 50 dogeared pages on a Sunday night.

This is the death and taxes of the college student experience. Inevitable.

As you shuffle slowly past the racks and racks of overpriced scissors and squirrel plushies, you begin to reflect on the last

time who stood in that exact spot — are you any older, wiser or richer? The pit slowly growing in your stomach seems to answer the question on your behalf.

A familiar face suddenly appears, and the pit becomes the Mariana Trench.

They sat across from you in third period English for

half a semester. They used to have cheeks full of acne, so you double-take.

Top priority is survival of the interaction. Oh, right — you two had this mildly humorous bit about how the teacher looked vaguely like Lord Farquad.

Their eyes meet yours, and it ends after the blink of an eye. Until next time.

The Daily Illini ofice

Best Place to Take Your Dog

Assistant Features Editor ASHLEIGH KENDRICK akend2@dailyillini.com

Is your dog bored? Tired of being in your apartment, staring out the window as the day rolls by? Well, bring them down to The Daily Illini ofce!

The Daily Illini ofce is

the best place to take your dog because they can learn AP style and how to edit articles. The pupper can also learn how to illustrate visuals and take eye-catching pictures for the newspaper.

Dogs and puppies alike can also make connections with the staf, making lifelong friendships and men-

tors.

Bringing your dog is also beneficial for the staf, as Fido can help the writers and editors relieve stress with their happy tails and cute little toe beans. Writing a newspaper is hard, but a visit from a fourlegged friend can make the job worthwhile.

So, if your dog is bored and tired of the same old trips to the park, bring them to The Daily Illini office, where they can learn valuable journalist skills and make new friends. If they’re lucky, they could get their newfound skills published in the edition! Be an Illini.

Spoon House crispy chicken

Best Comfort Food

Assistant Opinions Editor MEGAN HARDING mhard6@dailyillini.com

Everybody has a favorite meal when they’re at home, and more often than not there’s a restaurant order that will do just as well as home cooking. But at college, for many a

home away from home, family cooking or takeout from the place by your house can be in short supply.

With college creating a comfort food vacuum, there are plenty of places on Green Street will vie for your new favorite, and a standout contender is the crispy chicken from Spoon House.

An important quality of comfort food is quantity, and the crispy chicken easily delivers with a healthy amount of chicken, rice and salad on the side. The meal is served hot, but the cold salad balances it out. The chicken has spice, but isn’t spicy. It’s just enough to make you feel something. It works for lunch or for

dinner, you can eat in or take it to-go and it never fails to satisfy no matter when or where.

Often, students are told to push themselves out of their comfort zones during college, and while that advice holds true, it doesn’t hurt to have a little comfort now and then too.

Wymer Hall

Best Construction Site

Assistant buzz Editor JACK LARSON jacobrl5@dailyillini.com

While walking along the south side of the Armory, students are entitled to lay their eyes on the wonderful sight in between Huf Hall and the Business Instructional Fa-

cility: the great construction site of Wymer Hall.

While it’s slated to be one of the nicest buildings on campus, Wymer Hall isn’t quite there yet. Instead, what stands on the Gregory Drive location at the current moment is a true product of the industrial revolution.

Towering cranes, truck-

loads of cement, bricks and even some porta-johns are what currently make up the location of Wymer Hall. Paired with the building’s exoskeleton are the sounds of drills, hammers and trucks moving in reverse.

While there’s construction all over campus, the site of Wymer Hall is far better than other construc-

tion sites like Altgeld and Illini halls because students have been entitled to see the active construction of the building throughout the school year, unlike the other two sites.

Glorious sights like this will have students wondering: When construction is this awesome, why ever finish it?

Altgeld Dairy Queen

Best Real Place on Campus

Opinions Editor RAPHAEL RANOLA rrano2@dailyillini.com

There are many places on campus that exist. The ofce of Nicolas Bourbacki, a French professor in the mathematics department, and Campus Scout’s humble abode in the

steam tunnels would have been excellent picks for this category.

But none are as iconic as the Altgeld Dairy Queen, which has been rendered temporarily closed on account of the project to renovate that historic castle. Students cannot begin to state how much they miss the days when this

wellspring of frosty delights was still open for business.

Any self-respecting student here knows that the Altgeld DQ was the best spot for a pick-me-up. Where else could you order a delicious Illini Blizzard topped with orange and blue M&Ms after a torturous calculus discussion?

A staple of University life,

you know you’re going to have a good time when you walk into a club meeting or a University event and there’s a box of DQ frozen goodies in the corner. When Altgeld reopens, be sure to stop by the Altgeld DQ — I’ll be the first in line — and ask for an Illini Blizzard and tell them that Raphael sent you.

The Daily Illini ofice

Best Place to Get a Vitamin D Deficiency

Editor-in-Chief LIKA LEZHAVA lezhava3@dailyillini.com

When you pick up a copy of The Daily Illini, or even the one you’re reading right now, the first thing that comes to mind is, “Wow, these student

journalists worked so hard on this edition! I wonder where they are!”

They’re in the basement of the University YMCA. With high-tech technology gleaming a green-blue screen onto their faces and iridescent lights shining above them, that is the most amount of sunlight

these kids get! No windows can be found in this newsroom!

They don’t just lose a sense of the time outside, but they also gain an unhealthy green hue to their skin!

All of them have reminders in their phones to apply SPF 3,000 before they dare

to brave the outside world that they rarely see.

This doesn’t mean that the student journalists aren’t having the time of their lives and gaining valuable experiences. They most certainly are!

But they miss the sun and if they go crazy enough they might DIY a skylight.