The Smile Politely Editors are comprised of Chris Maier, Justine Bursoni, Seth Fein, Marissa Monson and Lindsey Markel. They, along with Webmaster Mason Kessinger, are the founders of the magazine. They decide to highlight certain events going on in Champaign-Urbana in a democratic fashion, without bias, in order best to bring to you the finest information on the entertainment around town.
When you enter the “real world,” you have to get used to a few things. Signing up for a 401k, for example. Setting an alarm clock for a time only previously observed by ambitious creatures such a birds and coke addicts. And — our favorite — the hour-long lunch break.
In jobs that don’t enjoy the luxury of an hour-long break, employees are often forced to suffer the thirty-minute rush, in which there’s just enough time to grab a sandwich and wolf it down before it’s time to clock back in. But when you have an hour, you’re likely to spread your gastrointestinal wings and seek out some deals. You might find that Cafe Kopi, for instance, offers a mean Thai tempeh sandwich, and that with KoFusion's lunch sushi deal, you get nine pieces of sushi and a bowl of miso soup for under ten dollars and in under thirty minutes.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg lettuce (we couldn’t resist), and we know there are plenty more praiseworthy lunchtime deals around town. So, all you grown-ups out there with hour-long lunch breaks and ten bucks to burn: Where do you go for lunch? Where can you get in and out within an hour, and without paying more (or much more) than ten dollars?
Comments (12)
Friday, May 16, 2008 7:01 PM
Typically, that $10 goes towards several days' worth of lunches that I make at home, but if I'm feeling like getting out of the office, a gyro from Zorba's always hits the spot.
Friday, May 16, 2008 8:02 PM
Bombay India Grill is the best. their prices are cheaper during lunch.
Saturday, May 17, 2008 8:53 AM
Although it may not have received the most favorable reviews in town (not without good reason), I have found La Gourmadise to be overall reliably good and quick for those of us working in downtown Urbana. Their "Bistro Dou/Pick-2" option allows you to get a bowl (not a cup) of soup and half a salad or half a sandwich for $6.25. I would recommend the spicy peanut and chicken soup with their croque monsieur sandwich for something quick and hearty. Food and drink is usually around $8 and you will easlily be in and out within an hour. Those who bring their work to lunch will find their free WiFi usefull as well.
Saturday, May 17, 2008 11:20 AM
DP dough or Antonio's.
if i'm not making my lunch, i'm treating myself to something nasty.
both are cheap as hell. $5 for a giant calzone you can share or like $2 for a slice of delicious, greasy pizza. yum.
Saturday, May 17, 2008 2:08 PM
Murphy's Deli on Springfield is a hidden treat and a must for anyone looking for a good homemade lunch for a modest price.
Sunday, May 18, 2008 1:19 AM
"So, all you grown-ups out there with hour-long lunch breaks and ten bucks to burn:"
dang, i don't fit either of those categories. :(
Sunday, May 18, 2008 12:49 PM
It conflicts with my prolonged need to lose them pounds... but if you have the time:
Step 1: Drive to Lil' Porgys on University and purchase two 4 oz. cups of sauce along with one jumbo Lemon Shake-up. ($3.00)
Step 2: Drive to Jackson's and order a regular order of Rib Tips — dry, with no sauce. ($7.00)
Step 3: Find somewhere to eat, and enjoy.
Sunday, May 18, 2008 2:00 PM
Esquire, Esquire and Esquire.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:14 AM
When I worked at the Urbana Free I popped over to Tang Dynasty for lunch -- for something like $6 you get an entree, rice, egg roll, and soup. I must say, though, that this sounds boring when put up against Seth's marathon BBQ lunch. I appreciate the dedication there for sure. ;-)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:13 PM
I recently discovered that the Courier's burgers are not given enough attention. Instead of relying on a crapton of toppings to make the flavor, the burger itself is damn tasty. And I'm obsessed with their veggie quesadilla. mmmmmm....
Plus, you can't beat their vintage gumball machine.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:44 PM
Pekara on Neil is my favorite lunch spot downtown. The food is great from pizzas, to sandwiches, crepes, salads, soups and more. Plus you can sit outside. Good stuff.
Thursday, May 22, 2008 11:33 AM
I swear I don't live at Aroma Cafe. I've just spent several hours there at a time.
I LOVE the simple cheese quesadilla at Aroma. And the salsa that comes on the side is amazing. There's about two types of salsa... heck, the salsa and chips are worth getting if you're just in for a snack.
Thanks, now I'm craving it.