Best milkshakes in CU! They also have delicious lunches and dinners at affordable prices. However, besides the milkshakes, the Courier is best for breakfast, might I recommend the outmeal with fruit. read more

Second visit. Is enjoyable I think due to the unique menu and the ambiance of the old newspaper office. Rueben and onion rings are good. Wife had the turkey club and both shared the potato skins appetizer. All good and will go back as there appears many more items to try!! read more

Dinner at the Courier Cafe was excellent! Everyone that I was with said that their meal was fantastic. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very rustic. The only complaint is that they are not prepared for groups larger than four. We had six, so we were seated a bit awkwardly at two adjoining tables - one square, the other circular. The food and the atmosphere, however, are enough to give this establishment a 4. read more

A great place to grab breakfast. I've had lunch there too, but their breakfast is the best in downtown Urbana. I would recommend them to anyone as they have something for everyone. read more

Courier is always my go-to place when the lines are really long elsewhere. Their breakfasts are solid - not the absolute best around, but reliably good. The eggs can be a bit hit or miss, especially if you're hoping for a yolk. The ingredients they use are very good. read more

Ate here a couple of weeks ago. Had an omelet that had way too much green pepper and mushroom and not nearly enough cheese and onions. And on top of that the whole thing tasted like old olive oil. Toast seemed to have never been buttered. The potatoes were OK as was the coffee, but after making an effort to come here as a treat, we were severely disappointed. read more

We had a table of four and all the food was cold!! Don't u guys know how to cook!!! Really disapoonted

Went to have lunch at the "trendy" PizzaM and it was full of students on computers with no place to sit and didn't feel like a lunch spot, so walked over here and it was perfect. Everyone loved the burgers, dipper apps, soup and BLT sandwich. Would definitely come back to this little place, however it is a little loud. read more

Love this place, I used to go there with family a lot. I used to live on campus and had great time with Courier Cafe. Food is always interesting. LOVE LOVE their milk shakes! read more

Has the best salad bar! Such a reasonable price and many salad items and dressings are homemade. The staff was friendly and helpful! Our server, Olivia was so sweet and loved the chili she recommended. Be sure to take some fresh baked cookies to go! read more

A nice place with a non-campus vibe for the U of I students. Highly recommended!

If you go to the Courier restaurant you go there because you want some character and you are tired of all of the chain restaurants. We stopped there for breakfast and had a solid dinner style basic breakfast. You won't get world class originality and a spotless place but you will get tons of character and food done well. Our waitress was fine, the coffee was great, and my French toast was what French toast should be. Nothing special just all of the basics done well. The building is fun to explore as you see all of the old school features that make this place really interesting. If this restaurant was in my town you can guarantee I would be there weekly just to ensure a place like this stays in business. read more

The very first restaurant I ever ate at in Champagne-Urbana. Dug it 26 years ago when I was a young naive (about to be) U of I student. Dug it tonight as a dad when I returned with the two kids, wife and their friend. It took 26 years to finally see the kids menu and it was incredible. Not sure if the menu or price has changed in those 26 year. Everything is great about the place, great serving sizes, great ambiance and vibe, friendly staff, maybe best salad bar in CU and great deserts. For the $4.50/kid item I was happy to see how great the entree size and quality was. Was shocked to see the desert was a whole sundae (not just a scope of ice cream) OR a HUGE cookie (HUGE for my standards). If you are in CU, definitely worth a stop. The downtown Champaign area seems to have become the "cool" place to have dinner, maybe a good thing as it may be keeping the crowds (and wait) down. read more

Growing up in Urbana, I used to love this place. I'm not usually a milkshake drinker, but this is the only place where I've ever enjoyed a milkshake - I don't get the sickly sweet aftertaste that I get with other restaurants' milkshakes. Also, Skinny Dippers are delicious! They're essentially skinnier potato skins so they're more crispy. The reason for the 3 star review is for service. (Although don't worry, we still tipped the waitress very well.) I stopped by today and we had a 15 minute delay after being seated before someone took our order. We were asked if we wanted our drinks and skinny dippers before our meal, which we said yes to, but they didn't arrive until our burgers were done. We started to wonder if they had just forgotten about us since other people seated after us got their drinks/food before we did. I used to enjoy the burgers here - they're not terribly fancy, but the buns would be nice and fluffy and the patties tender. However, today mine arrived so dry to the point where I actually didn't eat it and came with a different type of cheese than requested. Also, no one stopped by to ask us for refills on our waters (empty). Overall, although I still enjoy the decor and milkshakes, today's experience made me wish I had gone somewhere else to eat. Last time I came here (last year), I also had a lukewarm experience so I'm starting to wonder if the service has just gone down over the years. Today I had introduced someone to it since I raved about it in the past, and he wasn't that impressed either. I hope the Courier will improve again, because it is definitely a staple of downtown Urbana. read more

If you're looking for a cozy dining spot with a wide variety affordable of dishes that isn't a chain restaurant, Courier Cafe will likely appeal to you. The menu features primarily sandwiches, ranging from BLTs to hot pastrami and turkey clubs, as well as a few specialty burgers. Prices are affordable; sandwich, fries, and a homemade milkshake will run you about $10. There are also some more elaborate dinner dishes as well: steak, fish, pork chops, etc., and a decent salad bar as well as a variety of in-house soups. Food quality is good, but not earth shattering. The only dish I've ever been really disappointed with has been their Chicken Teriyaki sandwich (very dry). The other sandwiches and dinners alike are a good value and will fill you up. It's not gourmet, but it's safe and tasty for all but the snootiest of palates. The interior of the cafe is fairly unique, with the old-style high metal ceiling and varnished wooden booths and trim. Lunch times can get fairly crowded (I would skip this place on a lunch break), but the atmosphere is always great for a dinner -- strikes a balance between familial and intimate. It's perfect for those who hate pretentious restaurants but want something more refined than an all-night diner. read more

Pretty good mom and pop type restaurant, especially for CU. Our favorites were the thick cut bacon and the old school salad bar. The restaurant itself is a little worn, but that adds to it's charm in my opinion read more

Courier Cafe is a long time favorite place of mine to go in the Champaign-Urbana area. The atmosphere can't be beat, the hometown old-fashioned feel is very warm and welcoming. I love the look of it from the street with the lights framing the windows. The food has always been decent. The Dagwood is especially good and the milkshakes are yummy. The salad bar offers a nice selection as well. Definitely beats all the "chain" restaurants in town. read more

Came to Courier Cafe for brunch with some friends; this is a great place for small group of people to have a lazy weekend meal. Fortunately, we arrived early enough not to have to wait for a table, because this place got crowded really quickly. (For good reason!) I had a courier burger (burger with bacon) with fries and coleslaw. I really appreciate how they put the burger toppings on the side of the plate, because it lets you assemble the burger however you want to, and makes the dish more presentable. The burger came out very neat and clean; I didn't have to deal with a sauce-filled, drippy mess, like some other places. It was all very appetizing, though nothing to write home about. I would avoid the coleslaw, however, which was disastrously drenched in mayonnaise, and after a few bites, I just set it to the side untouched. I totally dig the antique-style decor in this restaurant. This is one of Urbana's landmark establishments; if you're looking for a place to enjoy a cozy meal with friends, definitely make a trip over here. read more

I've only had breakfast here. I am giving them four stars for two main reasons: the best biscuits and sausage gravy in town and a stellar breakfast burrito. In fact, I won't order B&G anywhere else. I highly recommend the biscuits and gravy with extra sausage and an egg on top. That said, the gravy has more sausage than any other in town. It is also made in-house (one of the servers informed me of this). I also get their Cha-Cha-Churritos sometimes. Simply put, this is one of the best places in town for breakfast. read more

Courier's food is good, I usually get the same thing when I go (tuna melt on a croissant with cheddar cheese) I had never had their breakfast until I had their pumpkin pancakes and they are tHE BOMB DOT COM. Then the second time I had breakfast there, I got sausage, biscuits and gravy, and I did not like them. I'm probably just used to my mom's gravy, but something about this gravy made it taste foul. When I went in today I got pumpkin pancakes to be safe, and they are just as good as the first time. The only thing I was kind of mad about was I ordered a large orange juice to-go and the server didn't fill it all the way up, saying that the cup was too big and a large orange juice is only 8 ounces... if I'm paying 2 dollars for an orange juice, why can't I get the whole cup filled up?? Anyway, Emily and Sarah are awesome. A halfway filled cup of orange juice is not awesome. read more

The food is pretty good, though nothing to rave about. My main beef is that, despite having 'cafe' in its name, this place serves no espresso drinks, which would be forgivable except that they serve terrible brewed coffee. read more

Worst dinning experience ever. Slow service, horrible management, food was alright at best. Wouldn't serve us alcohol which I get. But lies to us about not having it after we called before and asked if they did. Then brought out a screwdriver for the people at the table behind us. Waited 45 minutes for our food and it wasn't even busy. Won't ever go here again. read more

Excellent lunch spot! Stopped by just before noon on a Friday and was able to get in right away. The ambiance is great - casual and historic...not at all stuffy given its location in an historic building. Had a corned beef on rye along with bowl of soup. The sandwich was well piled but not overly so. The chosen chili soup was huge - also very creamy which is different than I make it but was excellent! Service was friendly and fast. read more

I've been going to the Courier Cafe for years! Since it first opened in the old Courier Newspaper building. Such a treasure - both for the history it represents - and the great food and service! read more

If anything, get their milkshake and the salad bar at the very least. They have this history to this place and it definitely shows when you step in and look around. Their desserts are normally what I come for. The soup is good. Heavier than most, which is a nice change. Their grilled pesto is fantastic. This is also a good place to get a Reuben. read more

really great place for simple brunch or lunch! I love the famous rueben sandwiches!

Great place for a weekend brunch and good when parents come to visit too. Definitely gets really busy on the weekends. But good for families

The food is still good, but the service has gone downhill. When I walked in, the hostess acted as if I was an inconvenience. After I was seated, I placed my order, a sandwich and drink. I had to remind the waitress to bring my drink, and the silverware was dirty, prompting me to ask for a clean knife. Since the silverware is rolled up in napkins, it appears that staff either doesn't pay attention or doesn't care. I'll try this again later to see if the service improves. read more

The Courier Cafe is ok. I like some of their food (milkshakes, salad bar and potato skins) but I am not a big fan of most of their sandwiches and the meals are very hit and miss. The staff there can be very rude at times. And the price is just ok. They are open late which is good and I have also enjoyed their breakfast the few times I have been there early enough. I don't get how so many people rave about this place....like I said, it is just ok. read more

Ate there tonight with my family. Great atmosphere for everyone, decent variety of beer on tap. I had the buffalo chicken wrap which was really good, the tortilla was toasted just enough to melt the cheese. Only complaint was the chicken was a bit dry. The sweet potato chips were pretty good as well, slightly too salty for my taste but very tender. read more

I was charged tax twice by the staff. I received a bill for $27.44 +$2.61 cents for tax. =$30.05 total I presented a previously purchased voucher for $26.00. (1 per table per visit, not valid towards tax or gratuity) My new total is $4.05. (1.44 + 2.61) The staff added an additional $2.61 to make my total $6.66. When I pointed out the error, the staff said they would refuse to honor the voucher unless I paid the additional tax. The food was fine, but being levied with extra and unwarranted charges left a bad taste in my mouth. read more

I have been eating here for years and I have to say that I really enjoy the atmosphere. The people are always super friendly. They also have the BEST milkshakes around. If you're looking for a place with some old charm and character, the courier is really a great place to go. read more

I went to the Courier Cafe for a late dinner, and I left satisfied. Its more expensive than most restaurants in campustown, but the food is worth it. I ordered a burger, and it was very filling. All my friends were pleasantly surprised too. My vegetarian friends tell me that the vegetarian selection is good as well. I'd recommend getting one of their hand dipped shakes. You may get sticker shock upon first seeing the price, but it is worth the money. read more

My wife and I frequented the Courier Cafe all the time while we were attending the University of Illinois and it is without a doubt the best place to grab a bite in Urbana! We used to go on dates to the Courier Cafe and have so many great memories from our countless visits.The atmosphere is fantastic and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The food was excellent and their menu has a wide variety of options. My personal favorites were their burgers and fries, but my wife (who is vegetarian) loved that there were several delicious options as well. I highly recommend the Courier Cafe and can't wait to visit again soon! read more

This is by far our favorite family spot. Good and service always amazing. Best salad bar in town!

The place is ussually too crowded to get to a table comfortably. The burgers aren't bad. The service is only "eh". i find the building charming, it's old. However, I've had better food and service elsewhere. read more

We routinely go to the courier on Thursday nights and greatly enjoy the salad bar, chicken, beef chili, and milkshakes. Not to mention the cookies. Or any of the sandwiches. Pretty much everything come to think of it. The staff couldn't be much more friendly. This should be a destination dining experience. The interior of the old Courier newspaper is quaint and fun. Nothing bad happening here. read more

I have eaten ate the courier cafe many many times. Always very satisfied. A few weeks ago, my wife and I went to have an early dinner. After being seated and served our food, a service worker set a ladder up to install a return air vent cover on a wall nearly above our table. When we asked them not to put it up until we were done eating, the manager agreed to wait the five or ten minutes it would have taken for us to be gone. But the owner Alan Strong, came out with the ladder and told us that the vent cover was going up right then, whether we liked it or not. I have never ever been treated so rudely in my life, and I will never eat at either of his restaurants again. First of all, they should not have seated any one in those tables until the cover was put up, but, the real problem was the manner and attitude of the owner which I find unexcusable. So I will be spending my time and money elsewhere from here on out. If I could, I would give a rating of minus five. read more

This place is hit and miss. I've come here with my husband several times and have had decent food.... and the service is ok. I would recommend breakfast over any other meal..... their burgers are pretty dry and the sandwiches are boring. But when I come here by myself, the waitresses are pretty rude as well as the hostess. I came here yesterday, and there were two tables that were full. The hostess made me wait while she tallied up a stack of paperwork --- didn't seem to bother her that I'm 5 months pregnant and would've been more comfortable seated. After I was seated, it took the waitress 5 minutes to come over and get my order. No hellos or how are yous..... just "what do you want?" By that point, other patrons had come in and she seemed perky and friendly with them. My food came out fairly fast, but my burger was underseasoned and overcooked. At that point I just wanted to get out. So I had to flag my now-chatty waitress who was paying attention to every other table and asked for my check, which she just slammed down on my table. I didn't even bother leaving a tip nor will I ever return again. read more

The restaurant ambiance is very nice, especially when it isn't packed to the gills and you can sit in their booth. Very standard menu of old traditional American diner standbys, with a nice salad bar. I would often do the soup and salad thing here. Of special note, the milkshakes are great, probably the best in town. That said, I must admit that the food isn't top notch and I am sometimes disappointed by their burgers, sandwiches, etc. read more