8 Best Cafes in Champaign

“Nice cafe inside Champaign Public Library (which is great on its own!). NO CHARGE for milk alternatives!! Espresso, drip coffee, cold brew, tea, prepackaged cooler options (juice, seltzer, etc.). Some vegan food options including bags of chips, veggie and fruit bowls, and a veggie hummus wrap. They are unsure if the wrap itself is entirely vegan ingredients but are looking into it, seems to just be a large flour wrap. Prices are great- they also have a punch card (10 drinks for 1 free) and $1 hot coffee with your own cup. Coffee and tea are sourced local from Columbia Street Roastery. Free parking on multiple bus lines, and easily walkable from UIUC. Great public library and a great place to work, socialize, etc. Outdoor seating available too!“

“we really missed Za's by the mall. We saw the campus location and it was even better tasting pizza, Sweet tangy sauce pepperoni with just a touch of heat. The only downside is limited space if they're busy, and watch your step. there is a small stepson at front by tables.“

“Stopped in on or way back from Chicago and had a great tasting espresso and coffee right off I-57. Thanks to Sarah for making good coffee and a tasty salad & sandwich for us! Friendly and helpful service!“

“Everything winning is 👍 come on down“

“It's nice and clean . Smooth game play ! All players so far are very pleasant ! I love the items they offer ( Even tho I can't have anything stronger then Soda pop ! The attendant / employee is very pleasant and attentive ! I'll sure be going back to there !“

“I visited Espresso Royale Cafe Campustown near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus and had a solid, relaxed experience.

The café has a calm, well-designed interior with plenty of seating options, including tables and counter seating. It’s a fairly large space, with an extended seating area that seems especially convenient for nearby residents and students. It was very slow on a Sunday morning when we visited, which made for a quiet and laid-back atmosphere, though there was a bit of background noise from a system running.

We ordered the Oatchata and the Pandan Latte, both 16 oz and around $7 each after tax. Pricing felt fair, especially considering the use of oat milk and quality ingredients, and comparable to other cafés. The pandan latte stood out with a subtle, nutty flavor, while the Oatchata was more straightforward—cinnamon-forward and a good option if you like simpler flavor profiles. I also appreciated that they didn’t overfill the cups with ice.

Service was quick due to the slower pace, and the staff were friendly and helpful, though not particularly warm. The space was generally clean. Option to order on a kiosk. They also seem to take a more sustainable approach, which is a nice added touch.

They offer a decent menu without being overwhelming, along with pre-made snacks and light meal options. There wasn’t a visible food menu, so unsure about those options. There is a microwave and toaster available if you want to warm something up.

Wi-Fi is available, and the environment is very student-friendly. It’s a great spot for solo work or small group study sessions.

Parking is a bit of a downside—there’s no free parking nearby, and metered street parking appears to be enforced even on weekends. However, it’s very walkable if you’re already in the campus area.

Overall, this is a solid café that’s especially well-suited for students looking for a comfortable place to work or relax, with unique drink options and a calm atmosphere.“