This sandwich shop remains unmatched. We came in for Mindy's Italian and Rainbow Veggie sandwiches. The ingredients are fresh, the vinegar is expertly balanced, and the French bread gives every bite a crunch. Bravo! read more

Cheese and Crackers - Mindy's Italian Sandwich - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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I have officially had the best sandwich in my life, thanks to this place. I'm visiting a friend, and found Cheese and Crackers on Yelp. I'm not a sandwich person, but my 16 year old is, and I wanted something I could eat to-go. You can smell the scent of yummy as you walked into the door. It appears to be a gourmet grocery store, specializing in sushi grade seafood, pasta from Italy, fancy cheeses, meats, caviar, and sodas from around the country. They had diet Cheerwine, even. I've never seen so many different root beers in one place- there was even a pumpkin root beer! There wasn't a BLT on the menu, but they custom made one for my son, and he added pesto and provolone. He declared it the best BLT ever, and knocked his favorite sandwich place back home to second place. I had the Thanksgiving everyday. A $16 buck sandwich, I was skeptical it wasn't going to live up to its price point. However, it was worth every cent. It was turkey, goat cheese, and homemade cranberry sauce on sourdough, and grilled panini style on a press. The turkey was sliced fresh- everything was made fresh. The taste was absolutely amazing. I live in California, but hate most sourdough bread, because that tang tastes spoiled. You don't have that weird taste with Cheese and Crackers sourdough bread- it's just delicious toasted buttered bread. It was the right texture and made it crunch. The crew appeared very hardworking and enjoyed their jobs. We were greeted kindly, and felt welcome. I use a walker, and was able to navigate the store, but note the space is kinda small. Since I don't live here, I'm going to do my best to recreate my sandwich at home. Cheese and Crackers- thanks for teaching me about a delicious flavor combination, and for providing an enjoyable epicurean experience. read more

Cheese and Crackers - Half of my Thanksgiving Everyday sandwich..we ate in the car. No seating inside, but there are chairs outside. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

I hate telling people about this place because it makes it harder to get in and get a sandwich I planned on eating my way through the menu but stopped at my (now) fave sandwich. I recommend calling in if you can, so it's ready when you get there. They take their time to make an amazing sandwich. The title "Sandwich Artist" belongs here, not Subway (I say this as a former Subway employee). And then there's the seafood. FRESH SEAFOOD. The scallops melt in your mouth (it's SO good) and we've enjoyed the dips we've purchased as well as the smoked fish. Store is tightly packed and you can find some great gems in there. read more

First time visiting Cheese and Crackers and liked it a lot. The guy waiting at the counter was super friendly and efficient. (even though I think he was sort of new...) Extensive sandwich menu. I ordered the Roc's NY which is corned beef or pastrami, provolone cheese, dijon, or yellow mustard on a toasted baguette. I got the corned beef with yellow mustard. Really good sandwich. Huge. Tiny place but so many cool things to browse. Look forward to a return visit. read more

We used Cheese and Crackers to cater our work lunch event, and we could not have been more pleased with the quality and service. We ordered boxed lunch meals for the event, which was perfect for what we needed. The website is easy to navigate, and the menu offers something for everyone. The sandwiches were creative and it's obvious they are made with the utmost care and of the highest quality ingredients. Bart, the owner, is wonderful and such a pleasure to work with making the entire experience that much better. - Your friends at BankChampaign, N.A. read more

I called in an order from Massachusetts for a gift basket for my sister-in-law in Champagne. The store does not deliver, but my nephew picked up the beautiful gift basket. Cheese and Crackers did a spectacular job, with personalized service. Thank you! read more

Absolutely amazing quality! I normally get the blue pig and my wife gets the mushroom and Gruyère. The first time I went I asked if I can get it with goat cheese because I didn't live blue cheese. They swapped it out. I remember the first time I ate it, I took a double take and then called my best friend (who lives in Vegas) that we need to go here together. My favorite place in town hands down! read more

Delicious sandwiches, it's a no fail! Had the Italian and Reuben last time which are always good.

This used to be my go to place for real NY pastrami. Not that pastrami flavored top round crap. Now they don't carry real pastrami. Looks like I have to get it from Katz's deli in NY. BTW, it seems like they are unable to get real black and white cookies, as well. read more

Our family LOVES this place. We have been several times. They have an assortment of fun novelty grocery store items. But the cheese case and the sandwiches are my particular favorite. I love that they always have samples of different types of cheese. My favorites are the mimollette and manchego. And the sandwiches are just amazing quality. My husband's favorite is the blue pig. He always comments on how the prosciutto is so fresh. Usually I get the sweet and savory, Which is a great ham and cheese sandwich. The cheese they use is so creamy. But recently they did a limited time, specialty sandwich called the "OnYum" end it was to die for! I absolutely hope it becomes a permanent menu item. I would buy it every time. It was almost like a French onion soup in sandwich form. PLEASE PLEASE keep it forever It's also worth mentioning that the employees are always super friendly, and very helpful. We have frequently had good experiences chatting with them while we wait for our sandwiches to be prepared. They definitely have a great team. There will also be no photos with this review because I don't think I ever wait long enough to take a photo. Maybe the next time we go! read more

This place is awesome. I wish I could remember the gentleman's name who helped me, but he was accommodating, friendly, and knew his products. I went in there, told him what I liked and he let me try several cheeses, every single one was a winner. I walked out of there with three amazing cheeses, a sopressata, some olives, and some wonderful bread. My charcuterie tray was on point! Everyone enjoyed what I brought home. It was perfect! Next time we're in Champaign I'll be sure to visit Cheese and Crackers for sure! read more

Cheese and Crackers - This is what I ordered... all delicious! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Best sandwiches in champaign and maybe the state. Tight space packed with imported goods, order ahead and pickup.

Such a cute little shop! They have a great selection of fresh fish and cheese, and the service is always fantastic. Staff is helpful and fast, and they also serve tasty hot sandwiches. Highly recommend read more

Placed in the middle of a little strip mall off of S. Mattis Ave., Cheese & Crackers is a hidden gem of a sandwich shop. When you first enter the shop from the street, you find yourself immediately in front of shelves of pantry staples (much of it Italian.) At the far end of the grocery items is a fridge full of fresh fish. The real treasure is between you and the ladies preparing sandwiches. Inside the room diving, refrigerated case is a huge assortment of cheeses of all sorts, deli meats, and crocks of olives in brine. Your stomach starts growling before you even find the menu up of the wall. Since we were celebrating a birthday and wanted everything to be just right, I called the evening before to ask about the menu and the ordering process. I was lucky enough to speak with the owner, Bart. We discussed some of the sandwiches a bit and why he uses one type of bread over another and how well the warm sandwiches hold up if you can't eat them right away. (BTW-Bart says warm sandwich should be eaten as soon as possible to get their best flavor and texture.) He was so enthusiastic about what he does that I was so excited to pick up my sandwich the next day. Despite the warning from the night before, I decided to try out the Rueben, as it is rare that I get a really good Rueben for lunch. The main element to the sandwich was of course a generous pile of thinly sliced corned beef which itself was perfectly cooked and not in the least bit tough. The kraut and dressing added a sweet and tangy flavor to the meat's slightly salty flavor. The entire sandwich was slowly heated up to the point where the marble rye was toasty, the Swiss cheese was melted, and the middle of the sandwich was also warm. The sandwich is wrapped slightly open so that steam can escape during its journey from the shop to your table. In my case, it was close to twenty minutes before I could sit down and enjoy it and the bread had not started to get soggy quite yet. This sandwich went perfect with some salty potato chips. The rest of my family ordered the Premium Italian, Premium Club, Everyday is Thanksgiving, and the Cuban. There must be something about the sandwiches being warmed up on a cool spring day, but my son declared that he had the best sandwich of the bunch (the Cuban). The next day, I decided to come back and try the Cuban for myself. The flavors seem like a mid-west version of the classic Cubano. It was missing some of that Key West flavor that comes from using more of carnitas type of pork. Their menu says they use Italian roast pork. Aside from that, the flavors were very good together and particularly tasty on a rainy day as the sandwich is warmed and toasted like the Reuben. Also, like the the Reuben, Cheese & Cracker's Cuban sandwich is made on marble rye, which is another deviation from the classic Cubano. What makes this sandwich so good is the crunchy pickle in the middle that seems in contrast to the soft, melted cheese and tangy mustard. I wish I had more time to visit Champaign so I could try more of their sandwiches read more

If you're a home chef, you'll love this place. It's so much more than cheese or crackers. They have some choice meets, chocolates and some packaged goods. They also have a sign-up for fresh fish that is flown into Chicago and immediately trucked down. There is also a list of fresh fish that they have available. Bart is a cornucopia of knowledge with everything in the store, and can even describe exactly what will happen under different cooking conditions with the cheeses. He loves talking with the customers and getting to know them. Clearly the guy likes his job, and it shows. I was surprised not to see a huge mark-up on the cheese prices. They are high quality. And I was also very happy to get fresh mozzarella instead of something packaged up from one of the local groceries. And root beer - there are so many choices. That alone makes me happy. read more

Cheese and Crackers - Picked up fresh mozzarella, some Colby and Parmesan. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

So much cheese!!!! Good selection, lots of cheese I've never heard of some international imports and a few local cheese too. Loved that they offered samples of everything. Ended up getting some small cuts of cheese and some Serrano ham. My overall favorite is the five year aged cheddar. Oh and wash it down with some Kitty Piddle soda. Good customer service, I will have to go back and try the chocolates some time soon. read more

Cheese and Crackers - Entry section - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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5 stars for their cheeses, meats and fresh fish. We buy our salmon exclusively from here. Their selection of cheeses are excellent. I give three stars to their sandwiches. They put their excellent quality meats and cheese on a rock hard baguette. My jaw was so sore after eating their sandwich (we ordered two --- the Italian and the corned beef). Change the type of bread you use....a baguette is meant for fondue or brushetta.... it is really hard to eat. You could probably chip A tooth on it. Try a brioche or sourdough or ciabatta.... anything but a baguette. read more

Our sandwiches were so awesome! They truly were some of the best in town. I will be back to try other kinds for sure. The selection in there is also just great anyway so even if you come in to get supplies to make your own at home you won't be disappointed! The younger guy that helped us was super friendly and was working quickly. The only thing keeping me from giving them 5 stars is that another gentleman that was working was very, loudly rude to his co-workers to the point where I felt uncomfortable. I realized I wasn't the only one because I shared a glance with another customer waiting next to me and I could tell she felt awkward as well. As a fellow business owner in the service industry, I found it pretty unprofessional. It's unfortunate because it's an easy thing to fix and also because otherwise, my experience would have been flawless. read more

I've had three sandwiches here and they're all so good. The staff are super helpful and helped me pick out perfect unique cheeses for a potluck charcuterie night. read more

Restaurant review This is sort of a hybrid restaurant/store review. I've been meaning to visit this place for a long time after seeing the review of the day. It's a very small deli shop that also makes fresh sandwiches. I was surprised by the selection of cheese that they had. The menu is rather limited with only a few sandwiches. They do prepare these fresh on the spot. The price of the sandwich is about $6-$7. I had the Italian sandwich which is similar to the one at to Jimmy John's. It does come on a baguette. It was good but for the price paid I thought there would be more meat. In terms of their store, they have a large selection of cheese and you can sample some for free. They had a small display case for chocolates which seem quite pricey. Also there's a limited selection of fresh fish, but the prices close to $20 a pound. For seating there is one small table inside and a few outside, but you're likely to take your sandwich to go. For me this is a one-time experience. Pros: Large selection of cheeses, high-end meat cuts Cons: Very expensive, small parking lot Hidden deals: Free samples of various cheeses on the counter daily Health code rating: A. Very clean and well maintained. http://champaign.il.gegov.com/champaign/estab.cfm?facilityID=1501 read more

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Getting on the Cheese and Crackers fish email list was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made! Every other day, I get an email about how to order the freshest fish possible in Champaign. They do a great job to source only sustainable fish and they have a huge selection of sushi grade options. I went with a pound of Canadian salmon & while I was there, I couldn't resist picking up a small box of chocolate. I was a little disappointed that the chocolate wasn't sourced from a local chocolatier but nonetheless, it was delicious and beautiful! read more

Cheese and Crackers - Chocolate from Fort Meyers Florida - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

My personal pet peeve - when you walk into a business and you are not acknowledged. I'd be willing to wait for the "world's best sandwich" if I only knew that someone was going to eventually get around to asking me what I would like. It's really not that difficult to say "I'll be right with you" - this acknowledges that they realize you are there and are both wanting to assist you and willing to assist you. There were two people working and one was working with a couple and I was the only other person in sight. But perhaps that is the problem because the store is a cluttered mess. One could assume that is what the bell over the door is for - so that they know someone's entered their shop and can provide assistance in allowing you to spend your money. Not worth the effort- driving down to the Art Mart. Won't let me give a Zero which is the experience I had and won't return. See 5 star review for Art Mart. read more

This is one of those places where if you blink, you'll miss it! Tucked away in a small strip mall where Panera and PNC are located. It's been awhile since I have been back but it's right next to a UPS store. Obviously from the name, they have TONS of cheese to choose from. They will let you sample anything that might look interesting to you. They also have an array of little treats and gifts including hot sauce but you'll have to visit more than once because I think they get new stuff all the time! read more

I started calling at 5:10. After they finally answered the phone at 5:22, I was told they stopped making sandwiches at 5:00. They are closing at 6 due to quarantine-altered hours. NOWHERE on there website does it say that they aren't taking sandwich orders after 5. It says there are no in-store or patio dining but they'll make you a sandwich for carry-out. It can't be that complicated when it's a sandwich in their own menu. Consistently poor customer service. read more

AMAZING! This is a gem in the Champaign area. Delicious food, really cool gadgets and specialty foods, and very friendly/helpful staff. It's on the more expensive side but worth every penny! It also does take a decent amount of time to get your sandwiches made but again, worth it because they really take their time to make them perfect. You must try the club if you go! read more

The sandwiches have been really great most every time I visit. There's a fantastic selection of seafood, deli meats, and cheeses to make just about anyone happy. I really wish they could operate more than one hot griddle at a time because I've waited 20 minutes in addition to calling an order in before. Good things take time though. Just make sure you aren't in a hurry. read more

Holy cow, how had I never heard of this place?? I drive by it all the time, and just recently noticed the sign out front that says something about the best sandwiches in town. THE SIGN IS ACCURATE! Their menu is super interesting, with new sandwiches being added all the time. I don't even remember what sandwich I got (this was a few weeks ago) but it was incredible, and made with love. I'll be back a million times! read more

This place has AMAZING sandwiches!!!! I tried the Everyday is Thanksgiving and it was scrumptious. I can't wait to go back and try more!! An unexpected find for amazing sandwiches! read more

This place is a straight up hater-free zone. One of the only places I trust in Champaign-Urbana to get things like fine cheeses and sushi quality fish. Like I said, this place is a hater-free zone, you can even use that futuristic BitCoin money there. It's like I'm in the Matrix every time I buy stuff from there. read more

When EuroMart switched ownership and became Bombay Bazaar, I lamented over the dwindling cheese counter where I had previously bought my snacks over the weekends. I later heard about Cheese and Crackers, and I was surprised to see the familiar cheese guy from EuroMart working there (I assume he co-owns the new cheese shop?). Cheese and Crackers is a much improved version of the cheese counter at the old EuroMart. They sell the requisite cheeses for which the store is named, but also a broad sampling of meats, chocolates, olive oils, and other items that you might need for an appetizer tray. The store also attempts to carry some locally-produced items. Another reviewer commented on the owner's enthusiasm for sharing his fine deli meats. I've had similar experiences. One day as I was browsing the case, the owner leaned over and asked, "Do you eat meat?" He then handed me a few shavings of a delightful, smoky prosciutto. He also generously allows you to sample most of the items in the case, which makes this a great place for cheese novices who might want to experiment before they commit to buying a pound of cheese. Traffic has been generally slow when I've stopped by, so the owner has always afforded me plenty of attention. This includes providing advice, describing the short history of his business, and sharing stories about his love of food. We've discussed restaurants in New York and other prominent cheese delis across the country. Overall, I was very impressed by his familiarity with his own products and his knowledge of the trade as a whole. read more

I would transplant this shop back with me to California if I could. Cheese and Crackers is, indeed, cheese and crackers, but also oh so much more. Let's start with the cheese: I am no cheese connoisseur, but oh my, their cheese is delicious. In fact, it is so good that I have been desperately canvassing southern California (which is where I am currently at) for cheeses that might just kind of sort of match up with their cheeses (so far, no luck). And the staff doesn't care if you're if highly educated cheese-ologist or culinary-ily challenged med student (ahem, yours truly): they're friendly, sincerely passionate and excited about their goods, and more than happy to let you sample whatever cheeses you'd like. (Tip: try their manchego, aged 12 months, with a bit of their wildflower honey. SO. GOOD.) Next, the crackers...which segues us into the kinda sorta related delectable artisan chocolates (okay fine, they're not related. So their crackers: very nice. On to the chocolate!!) They have an entire section crammed full of chocolates of every flavor and persuasion imaginable. They are also, admittedly, not cheap. Those who don't feel like spending a few dollars per piece of chocolate can instead indulge in the multitude of Cocopotamus truffles that they also sell ($10 for 5 pieces, which, at $2 a pop, is still less expensive than some of their fancier chocolates, but depending on which you get, arguably just as delicious). Besides cheese and crackers/chocolates, they also carry meats, pastas, and other delicious miscellany (local honeys, exotic sodas, sea salts, etc). So if you are ever in need of any of the above mentioned culinary delights, definitely give Cheese and Crackers a try! read more

Incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and fun people! I came in looking for something very specific that they didn't happen to have at this time, but they were able to direct me to something similar. I had read reviews about their fish and, even though I hadn't come in to buy fish, they took time to explain to me what they get in and what the differences are and what makes their quality so special. I will definitely be back soon! read more

I like the idea of this place. The availability of a place to go and find items you might not find anywhere else and the ability to get fresh fish is great. However, the service has been hit or miss. Sometimes you go in and they are all smiles and acknowledge you. Sometimes you go in and they barely say hello. I feel like the store isn't as well kept as it once was. Still a nice shop though. read more

My issue with this store is not the quality of the products. I have found the cheese and the meats to be of very high quality and enjoyed them immensely. I love the variety. I've gotten chocolates there, too. Delicious. However, there is more to running a great establishment than the quality of your product, it's the employees, it's interaction with the business owner. I have gotten sandwiches there before. The Italian is delicious, the veggie is great, too. However, one time I got my sandwich (an Italian) back to the office and the bread was so tough that I could not bite through it, and I have a good set of chomers!! I know baguettes should be tough to a certain extent so they won't get soggy from condiments and such, however, this was completely inedible. In their defense, it only happened once, but for $8 a sandwich, I should always have something edible. I feel like the employee should have been able to feel how tough the bread was as it was being cut. I'll give them a pass on the bread. That's not my what really upset me. I WOULD have been willing to go back and try again however what I experienced in the store the last time I went in will prevent me from returning. As I was ordering, the owner came out of the back and started yelling his other employee in front of me. I felt embarrassed for her. First of all, if you have an issue with an employee or their actions, it should NOT be screamed in the employee's face, that is unprofessional. Employee issues should be handled calmly, professionally, and respectfully in an office and out of sight of your customers. I was very uncomfortable as this was happening. I regret not speaking up at the time but I find it best not to confront angry people who are larger than me. I just wanted to get my cheeses and get the heck out of there. The issue he was screaming about was olives. Freaking olives. Losing your temper, screaming, and waving your hands over olives is ridiculous, sir. You should probably see a counselor for your anger issues. While I understand that owning a business and managing employees is difficult and stressful, I was utterly disgusted by his behavior. Initially, I thought I would bite my tongue and chalk it up to a bad day, but obviously this is his norm. He's doesn't care if he humiliates his employees in front of customers. I'm not the only one who has witnessed this and mentioned it in a review. Please sir, change your behavior before you lose any more customers. read more

I love this place! Bart and his staff are very knowledgable and very helpful. I love their sandwiches, cheeses and sausages are great! One must to try is the smoked white almonds they are so tasty. I have ordered multiple orders of fish and every piece has been awesome. Would recommend the Blue Fin tuna that is my personnel Favorite. read more

If you are fortunate enough to be able to eat here you must! Sandwiches made to order cheese and meat selection outstanding. The young lady who helped us was incredible. Chocolates exquisite. No bathroom. Soda selection fun and interesting. Don't miss this place!! This is a deli, not a restaurant so don't expect to come in and find a table. read more

Can I tell you how much we love Cheese & Crackers? We like to stop by on Sundays right when they open (noon) to pick up cheese or cold cuts for the week. They also have fancy chocolates, pastas, and neat old-fashioned sodas in glass bottles. Today we arrived before noon, but because the owner was there already, he let us in and served us. He is very friendly and knowledgeable (the staff are, too). We got two subs (had to have been a foot-long, each) and a bottle of soda for $18.50. We'll be having the leftovers for lunch tomorrow! During the week they use bread from Rick's Bakery, and on Saturday's they give some of Rick's pastries. Even if you don't live in SW Champaign, check this place out before you go to Subway or Panera. Support a locally-owned business! Your tastebuds (and Bart) will thank you. read more

Was visitng U of I for a weekend, and my friend who'd just gotten back from Barcelona was obsessed with this type of ham called "Iberico". I'd never heard of it, but he insisted it was the greatest thing on earth. After a quick google search for stores in the area that had said greatest ham in the world, Cheese and Crackers popped up and we went in to check it out. I wasn't expecting much when we walked in, kind of just wanted a quick sandwich for lunch, but in the end, we all ended up having a great experience! The staff was friendly and extremely helpful. We barely knew anything about what we were looking for, but they immediately helped figure it out for us. Turns out the ham we were looking for runs upwards of $150 /lb, but the guys behind the counter offered to make a custom sandwich for us! We ended up with a few more free samples of some other premium fancy meats, found some cool glass-bottled sodas, and ended up with a great meal. I've already suggested the place to my friends at U of I, and I'll be sure to visit again next time I'm back! read more

One of many delis in Champiagn Urbana where one can find nice meats and cheeses (seriously there are a lot per capita in this town!) What sets this place apart is the deli meat selection. I would say it's the most extensive of the four 'high end' delis in town. A year ago I would've given this place a five. I go here for the fish list but have been disappointed too many times lately. I have had my order messed up four times. Two of the four times they didn't get in what I ordered and made no attempt to contact me to let me know despite the owners insistence that 'somebody should've called you.' When the order is right, the fish can be really good. Another turn off is the atmosphere. The owner occasionally berates/yells at the staff with customers present. It can be uncomfortable and makes you feel bad for the employees. Also the fact they accept Bitcoin is kind of obnoxious. Once I went in there and the guy in front of me was trying to use Bitcoin to pay and it was an ordeal. read more

Cheese and Crackers is a brand new business run by (I believe) a long-time local, and well-worth the return visit. A deli featuring both artisanal and local items in cheeses and crackers --of course!-- but also chocolates and meats, C&C proprietor Bart is immensely friendly and knowledgeable about the products he carries (and happy to take suggestions, if you've got 'em). Intelligentsia coffee, Audra's Toffee Tales, local honey, Cocopotamus fudges, and artisanal chocolates from Chicago and San Francisco (deliciously displayed in its own case) are among the mix of offerings. Bart is also hoping to offer a small selection of wines in a few months. I believe Bart can talk about meats all day long, and is happy to try to convert you to his love of meats with plenty of free samples. I had some spiced pork shoulder, some beef thing, some cooked salami, and some black truffle something or another all in short order! And, in the time we spent in the store, we discovered that Cheese and Crackers already has at least one regular on a familiar first-name basis with Bart. Although there is no signage for sandwiches, Bart will make you one --as he did the regular-- with whatever meats and cheeses and other assorted sandwich bits you like (I believe the breads are Pekara, which I'd like to see more of on the other side of the counter!), or if you trust him, one of his own devising! I miss the downtown Champaign artisanal deli Persimmon --I still miss the delicious sandwiches and gelatos-- so I'm excited and hopeful for Cheese and Crackers! read more