First of all, the quality and variety of the baked goods, as well as the hand made sammiches that…read moreemploy those baked goods are the bomb and probly worth the trip. I've had occasion to make it over to this large bakery/cafe just north of downtown C-U for lunch a couple times and never been disappointed. Granted the food (including a couple fantastic side salad options) isn't cheap, but everything is made properly with high quality ingredients and well worth the occasional splurge. Although we have only tried some samples, there's even a fancy coffee cafe within.5 Factor in that all the employees we've met (including the delivery people out in the Central IL grocery stores) have been pleasantly passionate about their products, and you start to understand how they've come to stand out in what seems like a fading industry. That said, it also seems like the shelves with high end grocery items like exotic olive oils, Momofuku noodles, hard to find jams and other condiments, have dwindled in the last year or two, likely due to tariff-based cost models, but you are still likely to find a new favorite 'something' just browsing while they craft your sammy. Even if it's just a 'cronut' or a loaf of that amazing olive ciabatta or sourdough, it is becoming a mandatory C-U stop for us.

The Reuben at Martinelli's Market sets the bar. House-roasted Angus beef brisket arrives tender,…read morejuicy, and generously stacked, layered with Grand Cru Alpine Swiss, sauerkraut, and a house-made Russian dressing that ties everything together. Served on their rye, the sandwich is rich yet balanced, showcasing the quality and care behind every ingredient. Quite simply, the top sandwich in Champaign.

Hands down the best Italian Beef in region. Staff is the best and new spot always has seating…read more Sandwiches aren't cheap but huge. Very happy this place is around. Miss their pizza.

Meat sandos make me happy!…read more Glad we stopped by to try this spot! Literally everything was so delish! We were greeted upon entry and although I briefly looked at the menu online, there's so much other randomness that's available! Be sure to follow their socials for specials and limited menu items that aren't on the paper menus at the counter. We ordered the Baldarotta, Italian Beef, and Turkey Pesto-Hot. Also got an order of fries and the Sicilian Potato Salad. Then ran away with 2 pistachio cannolis! There are quite a few tables in the dining area. I really enjoyed that each table was different with a different set of chairs for each table. There are restrooms available...which was great because I definitely got messy! The namesake Baldarotta had a combination of the porketta and sausage and it made me smile from ear to ear! Such a comforting sandwich. The Italian Beef came with a a whole wide container of au jus for optimal dipping and was so flavorful! The Turkey pesto ordered hot (vs. cold) is a game changer! The pesto Mayo was DELISH! Fries were well seasoned. The potato salad had olives in it and I enjoyed that as well! The cannolis we took to go and enjoyed them later that evening! I loved how it wasn't too sweet at all! Parking was easy as there are spaces in the back. They are next to a brewery so could see pairing these tasty eats with a drink or two next door. Will definitely be back!

1am and hammered in the morning and needing the worst of the worst delivered, this is your place!…read more That's what I do love about college towns, their unhealthy late night eats and delivered too! Having lived in Philly, I would say the "Whiz Wit" they offer was nothing close to what you can get out east, but still will give em credit for trying. My friends out east definitely ridiculed what I was even eating when seeing the pic. Place is perfect for drunken eats, nothing more.

By far the best sandwich shop in town, maybe even the entire state. Actually... is Chicago still a…read morepart of Illinois? Ok, there might be some good sandwiches in Chicago, but this is clearly the best sandwich shop in town! The first time I came in, I interviewed the owner for my podcast. Now I stop in every time I come through on tour. Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2n8cFcCdjX2O39jG1tS43w

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

I have officially had the best sandwich in my life, thanks to this place. I'm visiting a friend,…read moreand 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.

I ordered a Dee-Dee's Cutlets Sandwich (on the restaurant week's menu) to go. It was delicious! The…read moresandwich contained a big chicken cutlets, and mozzarella (kind of herb seasoned), and was just suitable for feeding me full during dinner. People here were so nice and friendly! I see that it's only open during dinner time through Thursday to Saturday. I think students would be happy if Dee-Dee's Beef could expand its opening hours to lunch throughout the week! Looking forward to that to happen!

Prediction: Dee-Dee's Beef will soon become a Champaign-Urbana institution…read more This place is the real deal. They know what they do extraordinarily well and stick to it. I had never had an authentic Italian beef sandwich before, but after last night, I knew I had had the best in the state, outside of Chicago perhaps. Their menu is straight-forward and harkens back to deli and sandwich shops of old. In fact, I had assumed that Dee-Dee's had been around for decades. My combo sandwich was heavy duty, bursting with beef, juice, and flavor. If you are a more economical eater, unlike myself, then you could certainly get two meals out of it. Customer service was above and beyond. I imagine that I corresponded directly over the phone and counter with one of the Owners when placing and picking up my order. Located in the Cracked restaurant space right on Green Street, they are open three days a week (for now) and accept all major credit cards. We will be back, no question.

PEKARA BAKERY & BISTRO: A HAIKU…read more Polished, quaint menu, a plain panini arrives, pickle steals the show.

A cute, self-service bakery that has delicious quiches, bread and pastries. I find the pastries a…read morebit too sweet for my taste. But the brunch food is delicious and the service is excellent. Fair warning, it is a bit expensive! But it's my favorite bakery within walking distance because the staff is always so pleasant to talk to.

Fantastic place for a light lunch. The draw is fresh ingredients served simply…read more I ordered the hummus sandwich and house onion soup. The sandwich was served on their sweet batard that was pillowy and slightly moist like it came from the oven just an hour beforehand. The garlic hummus was generously spread over both sides with crisp lettuce and tomato -- and sweet pickles -- in between. The soup is flavored with only salt and pepper which gives it a warmth that complements the beef stock's savory taste. Overheard, while I waited for my lunch to be served: "This sandwich is amazing!" I heartily agree.

Overall wonderful experience! My sandwich was so bussin and fire. They had fast service and the…read morevibes were amazing. I was able to study and nap and enjoy my break from classes!

- Good sandwiches…read more - But the pickup service is extremely stupid and outrageous. It's ok to wait, but you should let people know. You will not get your order even 30 minutes after the scheduled time. People who order on site at your scheduled time and have long finished their food. - the attitude is also bad. They simply ignore you when you try to talk to them at the checking table. Very bad experience, will never come again.

The sandwich was SO buss. It was the perfect flavor and amount and exactly what i wanted. It filled…read moreme right up! The chocolate shake was so chocolatey and really good and i love that little cookie! The ambiance on this potbellies on green is amazing! They had good music and amazing decorations. The service was so kind too! Def recommend!

Ambiance: Clean well maintained interior…read more Service: Staff were friendly and had no issues with adding extra toppings Food: Sub was exactly as expected. Meat was freshly cut and bread was not stale. I got the club sub that included bacon which was very crispy. Truly a sub from above. If you want a nice meaty and juicy sub come here!

Fast service with friendly staff. When I DoorDash there they always help speed things along.read more

I had such a fun time at Seven Saints in Champaign. I ordered the ribeye steak sandwich with sweet…read morepotato fries, and both were absolutely delicious, the steak was tender and flavorful and the fries were perfectly crispy. The service was friendly and attentive, and the food came out fast even though the place had a lively crowd. The ambiance is energetic and upbeat, making it a great spot to hang out with friends while enjoying seriously good food.

So my fiancé and I moved around the area recently and we are looking to try new places for dining…read moreexperiences. This is the first in Champagne and we actually liked it. We had a few cocktails which were good. And the chicken fuatas as an appetizer. Which was REALLY GOOD!! Michele said they were the best she has ever had. I had a club sandwich and she had the gourmet grilled cheese with their mushroom soup. The atmosphere was quaint. And the service was good as well. We will be most likely come back to try other dishes.