I really enjoyed my first trip to avionics. A little hidden gem. Iced coffee was just right. Not burnt, smooth to the taste. I really love the student atmosphere and my first study session there was a success. Hours vary in summer, so check or call ahead! read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Vanilla late iced - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Meh. Service isn't that friendly. I felt like we were annoying the barista by even being there. Latte was decent. The tea had stevia in it (wtf??) which I personally think is the most disgusting and disappointing sweetener out there. Super weird for it to be a part of the tea bag, IMO. Ambiance? I would LOVE to spend more time there. I love local artists and the vibe there is really great. Soothing, relaxing, chill... but... I go to a coffee shop for the coffee and/or tea and if that's not great and if the barista is annoyed... I'm not going to stick around for the ambiance. (Also, with a name like Avionics, I was expecting a little more decor along that line. So if you're interested in aviation and airplanes, don't come here thinking you've found a fellow aficionado.) read more

Service was fantastic. Mocha was a tiny bit bland but it was a great space to stop & get some work on my computer done while I was in town. read more

I was visiting the area for work and thought it would be a fun place! The first day I got the Harvest Moon and it was fantastic! Day 2 I got the rosemary mocha which was out of this world! I decided to get a lox bagel because I can't find any places that make them in my area. The lox bagel at Flying Machine was everything that I wanted, perfect portions. The next time I am in Champaign visiting my kiddo on campus, I will definitely stop in! read more

Went there for three times. 3.5 stars would be most acc. It is located near downtown area but not many people go there. Had great indoor decor -- as some previous reviewers said, it had a interesting combination of modernism and nature. However, food was not as good as environment. The menu was very limited (together with my friend we already covered the whole menu lol). I saw on Yelp that they offered the Lox Plate and Avocado Stack, which looked pretty amazing. Unfortunately they do not offer these any more. The lox bagel was super small, so were the egg sandwich and granola. The sandwiches tasted OK, but the granola was way too sweet for me. Luckily the price was reasonable. Not very likely to come here again as it offers too few things now. They do offer more drinks than food. So in general due to its decor and the fact that not many people go there, it would not be a bad choice to study or work here anyway. read more

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I love the coffee and the vibe of the shop. They are in a great location for the coming decades assuming the town continues to grow on the current trend. I'm worried about the survival of this place, though. I live in downtown but often wait for The Lit to open at 9am, even though I usually wake by 6:30am. Mad Goat is too factory-like for me, but they are way busier than FMA. My main complaint is that I don't like the food. I need to keep trying more things, but here are a few ideas (originally written to the owner, but I don't see an email online). The pastries, muffins, scones, etc, are often dry. I think you want to offer to heat these up. Maybe the case they live in should be more airtight. The lox bagel is what I order most often. It's just okay. When I've liked it, I enjoy the minimalist feel to the preparation. When I don't, it feels like you are being cheap by putting so little on the bagel. A bit more cream cheese would be an easy fix. But I think there needs to be a little more salmon and one more ingredient. Stocking tomatoes year round seems like a nightmare, I understand. I believe the egg sandwich has been in a microwave. I'm not a fan of the result. I'd like to have an egg bagel or breakfast burrito that is prepared fresh, even if it takes a few more minutes to get out of the kitchen. Also, the internet needs to work. Or don't offer it. I need internet to do my work, and showing up to find that I can't use the internet has meant I just don't come. There are a ton of kids on campus doing engineering and computers. I feel like you can get one of them to explain this stuff to you, maybe for free, e.g. if they like the shop. I hope these comments are constructive! read more

Tasty coffee and nice people. A gem stone in Champaign and one of the best coffee places I have visited in the past year.

Friendly service, cute coffee shop, parking down the street at a local park. Coffee and tea lattes were great - good custom/seasonal drinks. Dropped in for a pick-me-up on our way through town. As self professed coffee snobs this was a hit. Will definitely stop in again next time we are passing through! read more

Rude baristas, poor hours, terrible internet connection. Great selection and coffee though!

They have great coffee great atmosphere Please step up your game on gift certificates they are a flimsy piece of paper I feel like they could be better it looks like a five year old made the gift certificate read more

Was passing through Champaign from Ohio and was looking for a good coffee shop. I would classify myself as a "snob" you could say lol. Was able to talk to the owner as he made a very delicious fruity experimental pourover. Was kinda iffy on going to a coffee shop with this name, but it definitely did not disappoint. Friendly barista, decently, nice ambience, but more importantly, great coffee. Bro seem to be really great as well (latte) read more

Great selection of fresh locally roasted coffees on their pour over menu. NYT available as U wait for your pour over made to order. read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Great menu of fresh locally roasted coffees available brewed pour over as u wait. NYT also available with your coffee. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Popped in for an oat milk latte, an egg sandwich and a muffin. Great stop for a mid morning breakfast. The coffee kept me going all day. I also love that it's the owner in the roastery logo. read more

No wonder this is one of the best cafe in local's minds (or, the best XD)! The foam on the top of the Latte was literally amazing! A nice place to chat, but might be a little noisy if you wanna find a quiet spot to study. read more

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Not many students on campus go here due to the relative distance from the center of campus, but it is a great spot for getting work done and enjoying good coffee! Tables are large and outlets are plentiful--it was slightly busy when I went, so don't expect anything too quiet for deep work. I would definitely go again! read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Iced latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

The service and drinks were amazing and the ambiance matched the vibes and pulled it all in.

First off, I have to start this review with the fact that I'm not a local. Visited Flying Machine after a few local friends, my partner and I went shopping in the area, and though a quick visit, I found the shop's service and food great! Grabbed myself a muffin, and it was perfect though not warmed up (my preference). As well, the shop had a great atmosphere as folks quietly worked away, and both my partner and I loved our Matcha and iced coffee, respectively. If you're local to the area, do give the shop a try. The park nearby was beautiful, and I could definitely see myself working in the store's dining area were I able to. read more

Everything about this quaint little coffee shop is what I was looking for. Its reasonably priced, the lox bagel was amazing, and the Rosemary Mocha with latte art was beautiful. The environment is conducive to putting in a pair of headphones and working, and there is more than enough seating. This little hidden gem is worth it! read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Lox Bagel and Rosemary Mocha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Coffee was great, building is cool. Quiet part of downtown. Baristas did not seem too happy I came in, maybe was a long morning. Empty at 11:00am on Saturday. read more

Cute place for a local coffee shop. Breakfast sandwich was alright. Dirty chai was great. Just a little stark and uncomfy. Like a industrial vibe or something. Could have used some light music, comfortable seating, or something. Great for a business meeting or conference call, but everyone will hear your convo. read more

Great place to study! I love how much light this coffee shop gets. Also there is plenty of parking

The coffee is high quality. Stopped by for an Americano, Mocha, and Expresso. The egg sandwich was not great--low quality n obviously microwaved. read more

Adore this place! Love the vibe and the staff is always friendly. The "Sweet Heat" is always my go-to, but anything else I've tried has always been fantastic. Definitely recommend. read more

We were surprised in a good way! My wife and I wound up here on date night and now it is our go to spot for great coffee and small table to share time together. From the iced coffee to the americano the flavors are rich and elegant. The atmosphere is comfortable, homey and not slick. Even when it's busy it doesn't "feel" busy. This is the place you can get work done at (The free WiFi is fast and reliable) or just sit and soak up the day. Small tables for privacy or large communal options for friends. read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Love, love, love. This coffee shop has a nice atmosphere and less students since it's a little further off campus than many are willing to go. Coffee is always delicious! read more

Really great pour overs and speciality drinks. We got the rosemary latte, which was perfectly subtle and delicious. I've heard excellent things about their food too, so I can't wait to try that out. I believe their menu is frequently changing at the moment, so I would recommend following their Instagram for regular updates on daily specials. I only wish there were more seats and outlets! Avionics is definitely more of a hang out spot and not as solid of a place to study or work. read more

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Great coffee! Several pour over selections, as well as a yummy latte for my son. Food was not great... My cranberry scone was dry, as this at only 9am. The egg breakfast sandwich tasted like it was just reheated... The bread was soggy. Would definitely go back for just the coffee next time. read more

Really pretty space filled with beautiful art. The staff is really friendly and the person who took my uncle and I's order was really nice. They made great recommendations and I ended up trying the Rosemary Mocha, (they make the Rosemary syrup in house from their own Rosemary plants). Great coffee and warm people working here, definitely will come back when I visit! read more

Flying Machine Avionics - a bari serving a cup of coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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Been traveling thru the area a lot this summer having a lot of fun trying every caffeinated spot I can - Avionics is the first Champaign joint I had to come back to as soon as possible! The Specialty menu is inspired, service friendly and easy going, and decently accommodating atmosphere with cool urban design: it's a coffee addiction sensation! Saffron in coffee? Who does that?! I haven't tried the food, will have to get there once I've saved up from spending everything on the specialty and summer beverages. The Rosemary mocha with lavender, oh wow! In my midwest ramblings, Troost Coffee in Lansing is the only one to match Avionics for the quality and original menu which I love - anyone can do a quick brew of well curated beans, pump in some ghirardelli syrups, and maybe achieve decent presentation. But I'm all for creative combinations of flavors to push the coffee evolution to artist taste and stand out above the rest. This place is a Flying Machine way above the rest! read more

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I wanted to leave a review because I feel awful for disturbing the girl who was working. She seemed so relaxed until I had the audacity to interrupt her. If I hadn't heard her annoyed mumble and loud sigh at my order I wouldn't have even realized how rude I was being by ordering a coffee. Luckily I was able to get some idea of the gravity of my mistake when I she avoided any eye contact, irritably swung around the register iPad, and didn't thank me for my order (or indicate when my drink would be ready - luckily she got to it eventually). I'll be much more considerate next time. Sorry. read more

It's not just me who has problems here with staff! So sad because it's some of the best coffee in town. I haven't been in months but a friend just sent me this. I think it goes well with my last review... Please hire people who are nice and not just who look like they like coffee maybe. read more

This is my favorite coffee spot in the C-U area. They sell Page Roasting Co. coffee which has to be the best coffee I've ever had! The service is great and during COVID they've really taken safety matters very seriously. They also serve great biscuits with jam if you're looking for a light snack with your coffee! I've never had a cup of coffee here that I didn't like. Recommendation: pour over of the Guatemala Antigua roast and an egg sandwich. Their mocha is a very close second! read more

Really nice coffee spot with super unique options for drinks and food. Good place to study and relax while being not too far from campus and downtown Champaign. Street parking isn't hard to find. Got two lattes that were both delicious! read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Lattes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Great coffee, great atmosphere, great staff. I wrote almost my entire dissertation while sitting here. I'm a fan of the food and the summer drinks too. There are two *huge* issues though... 1) the WiFi is absolutely terrible. Somedays it's bad enough where I can barely check my email convinently. There are times where I want to stay and work but need to leave to find better wifi. 2) the sun on the west side window can be quite obnoxious. Since there's stained glass above the sun shade, sometimes your only option is to move to a different spot or leave if no spots are available. That said, the coffee, food and atmosphere are good enough to keep me coming back. It's my go-to place on campus. For the love of God upgrade the WiFi though. read more

I'm not familiar with this area so that I spent some time to find the parking spot. But the coffee was great and I was so pleased with my lox. Small but Enjoyable atmosphere! I definitely wanna be back in this place. read more

Flying Machine Avionics - So good! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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My favorite place to grab a cup of coffee and study! Hands down best coffee shop in Urbana-Champaign, amazing breakfast and lunch food as well. read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

This place was pretty good!! I really liked the aesthetics of it and the community tables. They have a really good study ambiance and it helps that they have food there as well. I was not a fan of the latte I got, but that's okay! My fiancé has been there more than I have and love their specials. I would definitely try this place again to taste the other specials and menu options. read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Rosemary mocha and sweet heat latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Very cute place to grab breakfast or lunch! Limited seating, but an enjoyable environment. Great natural lighting. Also the lox plate was great - loved the bagel and it was just enough food to fill me up. read more

Flying Machine Avionics - Lox Plate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

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Best Americano in town!!! Excellent service and a cool vibe ... interior nicely decorated and the Plant mode plants rocks - in house roasting too ... excellent coffee choices. read more

Great coffee and the staff was super nice. Perfect ambiance for a lovely little coffee shop.