Last updated: 2025-04-07
From the retro charm of The Courier Cafe to the farm-fresh offerings at Homegrown, Urbana’s brunch scene blends Midwest comfort with creative flair. These local favorites draw both U of I students and long-time residents seeking weekend morning satisfaction.
Whether craving classic diner fare in downtown Urbana or willing to venture to nearby spots like Watson’s in Champaign or The WheelHouse in St. Joseph, the area’s brunch options showcase the region’s agricultural roots and culinary innovation.
Explore these essential C-U brunch destinations below!
Featured Brunch Spots in Urbana
- Homegrown
- Silvercreek
- The WheelHouse (St. Joseph)
- Watson’s Shack & Rail (Champaign)
- Ko Fusion (Champaign)
- NAYA (Champaign)
- The Courier Cafe
- Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sandwiches
- Sunsinger (Champaign)
- The Bread Co.
Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sandwiches
What to Expect
Authentic Sicilian-style porketta and sausage sandwiches
Description
Baldarotta's serves authentic Sicilian-inspired sandwiches featuring their signature porketta and handcrafted Sicilian sausages. Located in Urbana, this family-owned sandwich shop specializes in hearty, traditional Italian-American deli offerings with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and classic sandwich preparations.
Where: Urbana | More Info: Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sandwiches
Homegrown
What to Expect
Locally-sourced breakfast cuisine with community-driven mission
Description
HomeGrown serves locally-sourced breakfast and brunch with a community-focused philosophy. Specializing in cage-free egg dishes, homemade pastries, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, this eatery offers classic morning favorites with a commitment to local ingredients. Their menu features hearty breakfast plates complemented by craft cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys, creating a warm, inviting dining experience that celebrates culinary creativity and community connection.
Where: Urbana | More Info: Homegrown
Ko Fusion (Champaign)
What to Expect
Award-winning Asian fusion cuisine with signature sushi selections
Description
Ko Fusion offers an innovative Asian-inspired dining experience in Champaign, featuring award-winning signature sushi and contemporary cuisine. Their eclectic menu blends American and Asian flavors, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared by skilled chefs. Recognized as the Best Restaurant in CU for multiple consecutive years, Ko Fusion delivers exceptional culinary creativity and consistently outstanding dining experiences.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Ko Fusion
NAYA (Champaign)
What to Expect
Middle Eastern fast-casual dining with customizable menu options
Description
NAYA offers vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine featuring fresh shawarma, creamy hummus, and crispy falafel in customizable bowls, rolls, and salads. Their menu celebrates authentic flavors with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options that cater to diverse dietary needs. Specializing in bold, wholesome Middle Eastern-inspired dishes crafted with passion and care.
Where: Champaign | More Info: NAYA
Silvercreek
What to Expect
Multi-level restaurant with glass greenhouse dining area
Description
Silvercreek offers a sophisticated Modern American brunch experience in downtown Urbana. Their Saturday and Sunday brunch features locally sourced ingredients and an elegant multi-level dining atmosphere. Guests can savor seasonal dishes prepared with fresh produce from their own garden, complemented by a provocative wine and beer selection in a rustic, wood-and-brick restaurant setting.
Where: Urbana | More Info: Silvercreek
Sunsinger (Champaign)
What to Expect
Wine-integrated weekend brunch with gourmet deli selections
Description
Sun Singer offers an eclectic weekend brunch experience in Champaign, blending gourmet deli offerings with wine-inspired culinary creativity. Their weekend brunch menu features locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes that complement their extensive wine selection. Guests can enjoy sophisticated small plates, creative egg preparations, and artisan-crafted weekend lunch options in a relaxed, wine-centric atmosphere.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Sunsinger
The Bread Co.
What to Expect
House-made European bread and traditional Swiss cuisine
Description
A charming European-style bakery and restaurant in Urbana's Arts District, specializing in authentic Swiss and European cuisine. Their breakfast menu features grab-and-go sandwiches and hearty omelets, while lunch highlights house-made bread sandwiches and fresh salads. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, The Bread Company offers a warm, home-style dining experience that celebrates classic European culinary traditions.
Where: Urbana | More Info: The Bread Co.
The Courier Cafe
What to Expect
Historic cafe with vintage charm and all-day breakfast menu
Description
Classic all-day breakfast destination in Urbana offering hearty American comfort fare. Specializes in house-made favorites like loaded potato skins and award-winning burgers, with breakfast served throughout the day. Features a nostalgic vintage atmosphere with working antiques and a welcoming, family-friendly environment that has delighted guests since 1980.
Where: Urbana | More Info: The Courier Cafe
The WheelHouse (St. Joseph)
What to Expect
Farm-to-fork New American cuisine featuring local seasonal ingredients
Description
The WheelHouse delivers a farm-to-fork New American brunch experience in St. Joseph, Illinois. Championing local ingredients, this restaurant crafts seasonal comfort food with an eclectic twist. Specializing in dishes that showcase Central Illinois' organic produce, Chef Ryan Rogiers creates innovative menu offerings that highlight regional culinary traditions through nose-to-tail cooking techniques.
Where: St. Joseph | More Info: The WheelHouse
Watson’s Shack & Rail (Champaign)
What to Expect
Southern-style chicken and waffle specialization
Description
Watson's Shack & Rail delivers Southern-inspired brunch with a playful twist in Champaign. Their signature Chicken & Waffles feature crispy buttermilk-marinated chicken atop fluffy Belgian waffles, complemented by house-made maple butter. The rustic, laid-back atmosphere invites casual dining with a focus on comfort food that celebrates regional culinary traditions.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Watson’s Shack & Rail
Your Ultimate Guide
Dive deeper with our comprehensive guide, packed with tips, insights, and everything you need to know.