There’s nothing quite like a delicious dinner on a beautiful patio in the summer. Champaign-Urbana is home to many a patio, but not all al fresco options are great. I’ll share two of my favorite C-U outdoor dining spots, and if you want, chime in with the patios you like in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or send me an email.
If it’s a nice day, I want to be on the patio at Maize at The Station. The tables have city-esque views of traffic on University Avenue and trains passing through Downtown Champaign, and the happy hour specials here are awesome: half off all apps, beer, wine, and sangria. I am low-key obsessed with the ribeye tacos and mole wings, and I truly believe margaritas taste better outside.
My other favorite outdoor dining spot is the Seven Saints back patio, tucked on Market Street behind the restaurant. The patio is kind of private, so it feels very cool to be there. Plus, Seven Saints’ sharable appetizers are solid. I love the plate of chicken flautas, but for a night of just drinks al fresco, a Flight of Icarus cocktail or two is lovely on a summer night, too.
Okay, readers, your turn: where else can we lollygag on a patio in Champaign-Urbana this summer?
