This is an update to my full review below. I have been chided by yelp message -- probably from the owner or his friend -- that it is OK to call a tortilla dish "rarebit." My feeling is that if you were going for a zany take on rarebit that an insider would get, no luck. I moved here from Britain. When I saw the tortilla labeled "rarebit" my reaction was: This place doesn't know what they are doing. Admittedly, the item on the menu labeled "spanish" is far weirder. read more

Came with the bf for Saturday brunch...and if you're wondering where a good place to go for a date brunch, then please come here. Only tried the Hash and the Pumpkin Pancakes, but they were both heavenly. Get the Hash (not sure what the actual name is but it's a hash!) with sunny side up eggs so you can mix the eggy yolk in with the hash browns and meat. The pumpkin pancakes have that distinct pumpkin flavor which actually surprised me - was a little too doughy and not fluffy enough imo, but the hash made up for it. Next time I'm coming here, I think I'll just share a hash with the bf (the quantity of the hash was enough for two people!). read more

The Courier Cafe - Pumpkin spice pancakes! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

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One of the nice places to eat in Chambana where the prices are reasonable and the food is plain yummy! Not a franchise - yeaaaahhhhh! The atmosphere has a lot of character with stained glass and other antiques (some of the stories about the antiques are on the menu - very interesting). My three kids and I all enjoyed our meals. The hamburgers are excellent as are the shakes. Oh yes, the kids also loved the cookies in the front case were great on-the-road treats! read more

Courier has really darn good breakfast food. My friend got the almond french toast. It was light and delectable. Especially good if you use orange marmalade instead of the syrup. Try it! I was really craving just your basic diner breakfast- eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast. Everything was right on. I devoured almost all the food and that's pretty rare for me. The hash browns were a particular stand out. Crispy on the outside and almost creamy-soft within. Yum. They bake all the bread in-house and my toast was delish. There's a case full of bakery-style treats, not sure if those were baked in house as well. Eggs, bacon, and toast were all pretty good as well. I was not disappointed with anything. I've yet to try the phosphates or milkshakes. Combining flavors for a choc/peanut butter shake has been on my mind lately, tho... My four stars are for breakfast only; the three star holds for lunch/dinner. read more

This was found by my son using yelp and our location. We loved the mural outside, the decor, menu with the history and info about the antiques. The food was delicious, fresh and hot coffee was great. We even bought some baked goods to take home. I ordered "The Courier" breakfast and my hubby had A small order- one biscuit and gravy and sausage patties. Topped off with cranberry juice and apple juice. Excellent breakfast. We were travelling on Hwy. 74 West and indeed it was a great place for breakfast. read more

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Stopped in here early for breakfast with some friends that recently moved to Urbana. I love local breakfast places like this. Take the time to read the back part of the menu that explains the history of the building. It also explains some of the items in the restaurant like the old school cash machine at check out. Breakfast was food. Pancakes were good. Service is good. Arrive early as it can get busy and expect a little wait. The atmosphere inside is very casual. Plenty of street parking on the weekends. read more

I grew up in Urbana and have been here several times for lunch and dinner (hello salad bar!). BUT, I came home to visit my family this week and was meeting a friend for breakfast. I searched Yelp for a good place to go on a weekday and The Courier popped up! I had no idea they served breakfast, but boy am I glad they do! We arrived at ~7:45am on a Wednesday and there were plenty of seats available. My mom and I decided to split the Almond French Toast and the Courier Breakfast so that we could get eggs, bacon, and hash browns as well as the french toast. The French Toast was good if you like almond... my mom said it tasted like a Chinese Almond Cookie, which it totally did, but it was fun to try something different. Also loved the homemade breads! We got the french toast with sourdough, but my mom also got the honey whole wheat as toast. On the side we also ordered the maple sausage links which weren't overall delicious, they were a little greasy. I'd stick to bacon next time. All around good start to my day and I will definitely return for another breakfast soon! read more

I've been told by many friends to take a visit to the courier cafe. So with much pressure, I gave in. What was I thinking? Even today I still am not quite sure. I was really hungry and had been looking for something to satiate my lunch needs. I decided on the quesedillas and my bf ordered the pesto veggie pita. Let me say that neither was really that good, especially the pesto pita. The presentations of the food left something to be desired. The one thing that was tasty on the menu was the chocolate peanut butter shake. Not sure if a shake really has the ability to bring me back to a restaurant, and in this case it doesn't. The shake is what is bringing my review from 1 star to 2. The whole place is totally overrated and looks so unkempt. read more

I come here every weekend for my breakfast. The hosts are always hustling. And I mean hustling. This place gets busy. I stood around for like an hour observing and as busy as it was I saw this one server standing against the wall (maybe he was being trained). I don't know if the break down in service is in the kitchen or the wait staff. I like this place. They are nice to me and they make my omelet like I like it. read more

Here on Yelp it says the place takes reservations. When my friend called a day ahead, she was informed that she would have to reserve a table the day we would sit down for brunch. When she called again the following morning, her name was added to a list as opposed to having a table reserved; no distinction over the phone the second time was made regarding a reservation vs name holding; we waited about an hour after we were first told it would be a 30-40 minute wait for a table. We came during UIUC's Moms weekend so I'm giving the benefit of the doubt, not deducting a star, but under pressure this place seems frazzled: only one hostess, few waiters, and sides of juice or hash browns that only appeared upon politely reminding a passing staff member. As a vegan I decided on a light and simple breakfast, substituting the egg for tofu that had turmeric thrown on seemingly for color but not taste. Perhaps next time, lunch on a quiet weekend will fare better. I'm not giving up on Courier Café just yet. read more

I'm a little bias about this place since my Great Grandfather and Great Great Grandfather owned this place when it was a newspaper and printing business. The building has a lot of nostalgia for me. So, the atmosphere is awesome (especially knowing relatives had spent so much time in it) and keeps its old charm. The restaurant owners have done a nice job keeping the historic feel while not going tacky. We were there for breakfast. I've heard lunch and dinner are so-so. Our breakfasts were all very good: fresh, tasty and good portions. Nothing that makes you call it the best you ever had, but great basic food nonetheless. I'll go back for breakfast at the Courier next time I'm in town. Have to say the service was outstanding: super friendly, fast, unobtrusive. Go give the Courier a try...and say hi to the ghosts for me. read more

I love this quant little place. I have to stop for breakfast every time I am in town. The Spanish Omelette is one of the best omelettes I have ever had. Very good flavor. The service is always good when in there. The waitress I had today was very prompt. She kept my ice tea full. That is not an easy task I go through it quick. I strongly recommend this place if you are looking for a nice freindly place to eat. read more

The Courier Cafe - Spanish Omelette the best Omelette I have ever had. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

The building has a long history and lots of character. It's plenty crowded at Saturday breakfast, a good sign that the locals like it. I enjoyed my whole wheat french toast, and thought the coffee was good. There's a metered parking lot just across the street east, free nights and weekends. read more

This is a nice cheap place to go if you want a traditional american dining experience. Read the menu, this location has interesting historical artifacts. One of their best features is the salad bar. If you do the math, it's cheaper than going to the salad bar at the grocery store! We come here for our winter salad fix. They also have wonderful ice cream and shakes and lots of vegetarian options. Sometimes the service can be hit or miss but that usually doesn't interfere with our good time. read more

DO NOT go here if you are looking for some "chrome and glass-ubermodern-quail egg topped with scallion serving-trying too hard to be trendy"cafe. DO go here if you are looking for decent Midwestern breakfast, served in a cozy(albeit kitschy) venue for a decent price. "Woo" for: 1) Yummy biscuits that are an option instead of toast 2) Tasty-sounding pancake options (including the special that day-- pumpkin) 3) A place that I can get an old fashioned chocolate soda(Hellllooooo) "Boo" for: 1) A waitress who mistook my coffee order(I got regular instead of the cinnamon almond, which was the special) 2) A waitress who slops coffee all over the table when setting down our mugs, and then never cleans it up, but clearly eyeballs the running liquid several times when passing by 3) Regular coffee that was so weak it looked like broth when I added a dollop of cream 4) Cold hash browns(not that I had room to eat them anyway) I was assured that the service is usually much better--and more friendly. I guess they were caught off guard with the rush of Dad's Weekend? Menu options were enticing, so I'll be back! read more

Lots of comfort food at this local favorite. The food, unfortunately, is not as good as it used to be and they crowd a few too many tables in the dining room. It's almost a three-star, but since they've taken such good care of me all these years, and the service is good, it's still a winner in my book. Shakes, burgers, and sandwiches, and a nice little salad bar. The breakfast, however, is the reason to come. It used to be the Courier newspaper, so there are historic artifacts from the old days. read more

I have been here too many times to count. I have never left anything other than happy, though eating pretty good and relatively cheap food tends to do that to me. I was holding off on yelping this place as it has been done to death and I don't have much to say, other than: 1) I suggest you try the phosphates (old fashioned soda pop), 2) they reportedly have good hangover treatment burgers, 3) their salad bar is pretty darn good, 4) you should sit in the front, not the back, and 5) if both price and ambiance is important to you, this is one of the best places to eat in Urbana, especially for breakfast. I guess I did have a lot to say. read more

The food is great. The atmosphere is very comforting. The wait staff is always friendly. Be sure to try the Bennet Burger (it's not on the menu anymore, but they can still make it). read more

Well, I've always liked the decor, and the food has been okay, maybe too greasy for my taste, but the last 3 times that I've been here the service has been so bad that I've complained to the cashier and left no tip (which is really extreme for me). It's always been so popular that I tried to give them a second and third chance, but I will not be going back, ever. Fortunately their other restaurant, the Silvercreek, is much better on all counts. Must have different management. read more

Ordered salmon with vegetables. Dinner rolls listed as part of dinner. Salad bar and offered as a side. Salad bar was closed. Thought there would be a dinner roll coming. Was told that since there was no salad bar I was not entitled to dinner rolls. Blackened Salmon n steamed Veges were good. Had to repeatedly ask for coffee and water refills. First trip here was much better. Second one won't have me coming back. read more

It was delicious. I wish I would have gotten a booth though. I was quite envious of others with a booth I'll have to take a friend next time. I love how close it is to my barber shop. I however do not appreciate that it serves beverage alcohol. read more

The Courier Cafe - Love the menus here! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

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This is a very cute little place to stop in for breakfast. The food and service are good and friendly. Their coffee is pretty good too!

Most under rated restaurant in town! This place is constantly great. Good food, good prices, fine service and the best salad bar in town.

This is a pretty nice place to get breakfast in Champaign. Eaten here a couple of times in the past and enjoyed every time I have visited. The restaurant has a nice cozy feel to it, and the breakfast is pretty standard for what you find at a cafe. Recommend going here if you are looking for a decent breakfast in Urbana. read more

I came here yesterday for lunch with my brother. He got coffee and I got hot chocolate. Both came out quickly and tasted good. I got the turkey club sandwich and I added sprouts (which was an additional 75 cents? I thought that was just a tad too much) and the subtotal for my sandwich was then $8. I can't complain though because I saved the other half of the sandwich for dinner since the portions were pretty big. My brother went to the salad bar and it's only 32 cents per ounce, so his whole plate was less than $5! That was pretty awesome. read more

One of the mainstays in Downtown Urbana. Can hardly get a seat during a home-football weekend because of all the Alumni that come back and want some delicious, homestyle food. Their breakfast is some of the best in town. Wait staff is friendly and their food is quite good. If you are trying to get breakfast/lunch here on a weekend it is a good idea to get there early because there will often be a decent line. read more

First time there for breakfast which was wonderful. Service a little slow. Coffee good not great. I will be back read more

Found this place on Yelp while dropping daughter off at U of I. Comfort food and amazing salad bar. Thought milkshakes were delicious too. Staff was polite but service was very slow. read more

Very pleased to see the word "mini" in the food description. Just the right size, staff friendly, service quick, food seasoned well. A simply friendly place to have a meal. read more

You here a lot of great things about this place and I think that was the issue for me, I had pretty high expectations. Don't get me wrong, we liked our experience, the food was tasty and made to order, and the service was solid. We went for a late lunch, so the atmosphere was dead and seeing the older restaurant left nothing to the imagination. But there was nothing GREAT about this place...in the same light, there was nothing bad either. It's worth to check it out and I will be back to give it another shot. read more

This is a cute little place and it's hands down delish everyone is so sweet ! I got the blt and it was so fresh hubby got the veggie burger and chowed down . My girls got pancakes & they were delicious!!!!!!!!! My mother in law got the French toast and they weee ok they weren't as fluffy as French toast usually are but overall amazing read more

One of my absolute favorites in CU, Courier Cafe is the best place to relax and get some delicious American food. Old fashioned soda fountain favorites like phosphates and malt shakes make this place unique, but nearly everything is good. Sandwiches are on fresh bread, and burgers are thick and hearty. There are a lot of vegetarian options- my favorite is the pesto grilled swiss on sourdough. I also love the ham melt on a fresh croissant. For dessert I recommend sharing a headliner, a monstrously delicious sundae drenched in hot fudge. For the quality of food you get, this place is actually a bargain. I'd prefer it over most of CU's "fine dining" establishments any day. Service can be slightly slow, but overall this is one of my favorite places to enjoy after a difficult test or a arduous paper-writing spree. read more

Best local cafe in town - great lunch specials and milkshakes are phenomenal!

I've eaten at a lot of great places in my absence, so prepare for a string of gushing reviews. Despite being extremely busy on a home-game day, our group of 4 was able to score outdoor seating pretty much right away. Our waitress was nice, and as attentive as she could be for having to wait on 10 tables at once. You could tell the cafe was going for more of an old school thing with it's antique register, wooden... everything, menu items, etc. For brunch on such a gorgeous, late summer day, my friends and I knew we HAD to sit outside. I can definitely see myself coming back to relax with a newspaper/book and a sandwich. Plus, I hear their milkshakes are pretty good so I guess I'll have to try that out as well! Did I mention their portions here are pretty much huge? My friend and I split their Dagwood, and Desert Dippers (healthy, right?) and were STUFFED afterwords. The quality of the food itself wasn't anything special, but it still hits the spot when you haven't had anything to eat all day (like us). I'll be back here for sure. read more

I picked this place because I thought it would be good for a group setting. The people I traveled with had different dietary restrictions and I like to make sure I can cater to them all. This place worked, but the food was standard. I definitely wasn't expecting mind blowing food, but when it comes to a cafe I'd like the food to be comforting. My burger reminded me of a day at the park where you buy frozen burger patties from Costco and throw em on the grill. Where's In-and-Out when I need them? They also wouldn't cook my french fries extra crispy for some reason which was also another negative. The highlight was probably the hot fudge sundae but as a reminder, unless you like eating dessert as dinner, share that sucker with someone. I'd go here again if I wanted something super casual and laid back. But since I usually travel here with a band wagon of people, I'll have to take them elsewhere. read more

I usually come here for the salad bar, but when it comes down to it, the quality is mediocre at best. The regular sandwich and entree items are better but also not incredible. The staff can be rude and noisy if you have the misfortune of sitting near the salad bar area. If you're looking for something inexpensive and fast, this is a great choice. Otherwise, eh. read more

Really yummy sausage links but the best thing is the biscuits and gravy - the best I have ever had!

I've been to the Courier frequently and without bias, I can say it is perhaps one of my favorite places to dine in all of Champaign-Urbana. Small, local, with plenty of great options for food. Whether it's the Banker's Burger, a Red Hot News sundae, a green river phosphate, any of their vegetarian dishes, or even just the sweet potato chips, the food is delicious and perfect each time, all for a great low price and friendly service. I've never been ignored and always seem to have a full glass of water without even knowing they swung by. The one thing that keeps Courier from being a super 5-star is if you're seated at anything other than a booth, it seems like you're one inch away from being knocked about by any of the staff or other patrons. Don't come if you have more than four people, it'll be next to impossible to keep you all together. However, I think Courier's still a great cozy place to get your grub on. read more

We went to get lunch here on a Saturday afternoon. Waited for about 15-20 minutes for a table. VERY cramped waiting area. Menu had a lot of options. I went with the "Monkey Stuff" sandwich - this sweet, delectable sandwich of tasty sugary goodness. This sandwich would have been way better had the bread been toasted. By the end I just felt like I was eating a mush of sugar. To counteract this sugar, I also ordered from the salad bar. I liked the layout of the Salad Bar - you pay $0.38 per oz of salad you get, so I had a filling salad to go with my sweet sandwich for only $2.50! Not a very diverse salad bar, but I was fairly pleased. The other members of my party enjoyed their meal just fine, but we didn't feel this was anything special. The decor of the restaurant is very vintage, so it ;s kind of dark and has a different feel to it. After reading the reviews, I'm bummed I didn't order a milkshake! I don't know that we'd necessarily make a special trip to come back here. read more

What I love most about Courier isn't exactly the food, but more the experience. The atmosphere is very warm, and the staff is incredibly friendly. I love the decor of the place, including the little antique items scattered around. Of the menu, my favorite item is the milkshakes. You can also get custom flavors of the milkshakes besides what's listed on the menu. My friend got a "butterbeer" one and just asked for butterscotch and root beer flavor, which was surprisingly good. I ordered the fish tacos, which were pretty good. They give you a large portion, which is really nice! The sauce and slaw on the taco paired really well together. I wasn't a huuge fan of the fish, seemed a bit rubbery. read more