This Small Illinois Town Is Known Statewide For Its Iconic Burgers
Champaign, Illinois might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of burger heaven, but this small college town has earned serious street cred for serving up some of the most mouthwatering patties in the entire state.
From classic diners slinging old-school smash burgers to upscale gastropubs crafting gourmet creations with unexpected toppings, Champaign has become a pilgrimage site for burger lovers across Illinois.
Whether you’re a local student looking for the perfect late-night bite or a traveler passing through on I-57, these ten burger joints will make you understand why Champaign has become synonymous with burger excellence.
1. Smith Burger Company – Champaign
Burgers here aren’t just food—they’re practically edible art that happens to taste like heaven between two buns. Located at 340 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820, Smith Burger Company has transformed the humble hamburger into something worthy of serious culinary respect.
The moment you walk through the door, the sizzle of patties hitting the griddle creates a symphony that makes your stomach immediately start singing backup vocals.
What sets this place apart is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, which means every bite tastes like it came straight from a farm rather than a freezer. Their signature burgers come with creative names and even more creative flavor combinations that somehow manage to be adventurous without crossing into weird territory.
The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between casual and trendy, making it ideal whether you’re on a first date or just treating yourself to a solo burger celebration.
Families love bringing their kids here because the menu offers enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, while burger purists appreciate that you can still order a perfectly executed classic cheeseburger. The staff genuinely seems to enjoy working there, which translates into friendly service that makes you feel welcome rather than rushed.
Smith Burger Company proves that sometimes the best things really do come in beef-filled packages topped with melted cheese and a side of perfectly crispy fries.
2. Farren’s at The Inman – Champaign
Tucked inside a historic building at 17 E University Ave #101, Champaign, IL 61820, Farren’s serves burgers that could make a vegetarian seriously reconsider their life choices. This isn’t your typical greasy spoon operation—Farren’s brings an upscale twist to burger craftsmanship while keeping things approachable enough that you won’t feel underdressed in jeans and sneakers.
The restaurant occupies space in The Inman, adding a touch of architectural elegance to your burger-eating experience.
Their burger menu reads like a greatest hits album, with each option carefully constructed to deliver maximum flavor without overwhelming your taste buds. The beef is cooked to your exact specifications, and the kitchen staff actually respects your preferences instead of automatically incinerating everything to well-done oblivion.
Fresh toppings arrive piled high but somehow remain structurally sound, meaning you won’t need an engineering degree to figure out how to eat your meal.
What really makes Farren’s special is the attention to detail that extends beyond just the food—the ambiance feels sophisticated without being stuffy, and the service hits that sweet spot between attentive and intrusive. They’ve mastered the art of making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another order number.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a really good burger to turn your day around, Farren’s delivers with style and substance in equal measure.
3. Seven Saints – Champaign
At 32 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820, Seven Saints has built a reputation for burgers so good they should probably come with a warning label about addiction potential. This spot combines a laid-back vibe with seriously impressive culinary chops, creating an atmosphere where you can relax completely while your taste buds throw a party.
The name might reference saints, but one bite of their burgers will have you thinking some seriously sinful thoughts about ordering seconds.
Their burger creations manage to be both familiar and surprising, with flavor combinations that make perfect sense once you taste them even if they sound unusual on paper. The patties are juicy enough to require extra napkins but never so messy that eating becomes an embarrassing ordeal.
Fresh ingredients shine through in every component, from the crisp lettuce to the perfectly ripe tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes rather than crunchy water.
Seven Saints understands that a great burger experience extends beyond just the sandwich itself—the sides are equally thoughtful, and the overall menu offers enough variety to keep repeat visits interesting. The staff knows their stuff and can guide you toward the perfect burger match for your mood and appetite level.
Whether you’re a Champaign native or just passing through town, Seven Saints offers the kind of burger experience that turns casual visitors into devoted regulars who plan their travel routes around future visits.
4. Billy Barooz Pub & Grill – Champaign
Billy Barooz at 2521 Village Green Pl, Champaign, IL 61822 serves burgers that make you understand why Americans have such an intense love affair with this particular food category. This pub and grill has mastered the art of creating a fun, energetic atmosphere where great burgers and good times naturally go hand in hand.
The moment you settle into your seat, you can feel the positive energy that comes from a place that genuinely enjoys feeding people delicious food.
Their burger selection covers all the bases, from straightforward classics that let quality beef do the talking to loaded creations that pile on the toppings with enthusiastic abandon. The kitchen clearly takes pride in their work, delivering consistently excellent burgers that maintain their quality whether you visit during a quiet Tuesday lunch or a packed Saturday night.
Portion sizes are generous without crossing into wasteful territory, giving you plenty of food without making you feel uncomfortably stuffed afterward.
What keeps people coming back to Billy Barooz isn’t just the food—it’s the overall experience of feeling welcomed and well-fed in a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The staff brings genuine friendliness to every interaction, making even first-time visitors feel like regulars.
Families appreciate the relaxed environment where kids can be kids, while groups of friends find it’s the perfect spot for catching up over seriously satisfying burgers and plenty of laughter.
5. Merry Ann’s Diner – Champaign
Step into Merry Ann’s Diner at 1510 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820, and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve traveled back to a simpler time when diners ruled the American food landscape. This classic establishment has been slinging burgers for decades, and they’ve perfected their craft through thousands upon thousands of satisfied customers.
The retro atmosphere isn’t manufactured nostalgia—it’s the real deal, complete with counter seating and booths that have witnessed countless conversations and celebrations.
Merry Ann’s doesn’t mess around with trendy burger gimmicks or Instagram-worthy presentations—they focus on delivering solid, delicious burgers that taste exactly how you remember burgers tasting in your fondest childhood memories. The patties are cooked on a flat-top griddle that’s probably seen more action than most people’s entire kitchens, developing those crispy edges that burger enthusiasts dream about.
Simple toppings are executed perfectly, proving that you don’t need twenty ingredients to create burger magic.
Breakfast is served all day here, but don’t let that distract you from their burger excellence during lunch and dinner hours. The prices remain refreshingly reasonable, especially compared to newer establishments that charge premium prices for similar quality.
Regulars have their favorite seats and usual orders, but newcomers are welcomed with the same warmth and efficiency that’s made Merry Ann’s a Champaign institution worth preserving and celebrating for generations to come.
6. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House – Champaign
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House at 320 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820 brings barbecue expertise to the burger game, creating patties that benefit from their smoking skills and flavor knowledge. While they’re famous for their smoked meats, their burgers are an underrated gem that deserve attention but don’t outshine their smoked dishes.
The rustic, welcoming interior makes you feel like you’ve found a hidden gem where serious food happens without pretension or fuss.
Their burgers often feature smoky elements or barbecue-inspired toppings that set them apart from standard burger joint offerings across town. The beef quality is immediately apparent from the first bite, with that perfect texture that comes from properly handled meat cooked by people who actually understand heat and timing.
Buns are sturdy enough to handle juicy patties and generous toppings without disintegrating into a soggy mess halfway through your meal.
Black Dog understands that burger lovers often have strong opinions about customization, so they’re happy to accommodate special requests and modifications without making you feel difficult. The sides complement the burgers beautifully, with options that go beyond standard fries to include items that showcase their smoking and grilling capabilities.
Whether you’re a barbecue fanatic curious about their burger offerings or a burger purist willing to try something with a smoky twist, Black Dog delivers satisfaction with every order and proves that specialization doesn’t mean limitation.
7. Aspen Tap House – Champaign
Aspen Tap House at 2001 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820 elevates the burger experience with a menu that balances creativity and classic appeal in equal measure. This establishment understands that modern diners want options that surprise and delight without venturing too far into experimental territory that alienates traditional tastes.
The spacious interior provides plenty of room to spread out, making it ideal for everything from business lunches to family dinners to casual hangouts with friends.
Their burger menu showcases thoughtful combinations where each ingredient serves a purpose rather than just adding random toppings for the sake of appearing fancy. The kitchen maintains consistent quality across all their offerings, meaning you can confidently try something new without worrying about disappointment.
Cooking temperatures are respected, and if you order medium-rare, you’ll actually receive medium-rare rather than the overcooked interpretation many restaurants default to out of excessive caution.
What makes Aspen Tap House particularly appealing is their ability to cater to diverse groups where everyone has different tastes and dietary preferences. While burger lovers will find plenty to celebrate, the broader menu ensures that even non-burger eaters in your party will leave satisfied and happy.
The service strikes that perfect professional balance—attentive enough to keep glasses filled and questions answered, but not so hovering that you feel watched throughout your entire meal, creating an overall experience that keeps customers returning regularly.
8. Jurassic Grill – Champaign
With a name like Jurassic Grill, you might expect dinosaur-themed decor and novelty burgers, but this spot at 404 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820 focuses more on delivering prehistoric-sized flavor than gimmicks. Located in the heart of campus territory, Jurassic Grill has become a favorite among students and locals alike who appreciate quality burgers at prices that won’t require taking out a second mortgage.
The casual, energetic vibe reflects its college-town location while maintaining standards that appeal to all age groups.
Their burgers are generously proportioned without being comically oversized—you’ll leave satisfied but not uncomfortably stuffed or requiring assistance to waddle to your car. The menu offers enough variety to keep things interesting across multiple visits, with both traditional options and more adventurous creations that showcase culinary creativity.
Fresh ingredients and proper cooking techniques ensure that even their most affordable burgers taste like they cost twice the actual price.
Jurassic Grill excels at creating a fun atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re celebrating after a big game or just need comfort food after a rough day. The staff keeps things moving efficiently even during peak hours, which is crucial in a high-traffic location near campus.
Late-night hours make it a lifesaver for those times when burger cravings strike after most other establishments have closed for the evening, cementing its reputation as a reliable burger destination any time hunger calls.
9. Baxters American Grille – Champaign
Baxters American Grille at 100 Trade Ctr Dr #302, Champaign, IL 61820 brings polished sophistication to the burger scene without sacrificing the comfort and satisfaction that makes burgers America’s favorite food. This upscale casual establishment proves that burgers can absolutely hold their own on a menu alongside steaks and seafood, deserving equal respect and culinary attention.
The refined atmosphere makes it suitable for occasions when you want something nicer than typical burger joints but aren’t ready to commit to full fine dining formality.
Their burger preparation reflects genuine culinary skill, with attention paid to details that separate good burgers from truly memorable ones. Premium ingredients elevate each component, from the quality beef to the artisan buns to the carefully selected toppings that complement rather than overwhelm.
The kitchen staff clearly understands flavor balance and texture contrast, creating burgers that deliver complexity without confusion.
Baxters succeeds at making everyone feel valued regardless of whether you’re ordering their most expensive menu item or just grabbing a burger and fries. The service level matches the upscale atmosphere, with knowledgeable servers who can answer questions and make recommendations based on your preferences.
While prices reflect the higher-quality ingredients and refined setting, the value remains solid when you consider the overall experience—sometimes you want a burger that feels special rather than everyday, and Baxters delivers exactly that without apology or compromise.
10. Portillo’s Champaign – Champaign
Portillo’s at 2306 N Prospect Ave, Champaign, IL 61822 brings Chicago’s legendary burger and hot dog tradition to central Illinois with all the flavor and energy that’s made this chain a Midwest institution.
While they’re famous for Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs, their burgers are a classic option that maintain high standards of quality and flavor, perfect for satisfying your cravings for a traditional burger done right.
The lively, retro atmosphere creates an experience that feels like a celebration rather than just another meal, with decor that pays homage to Chicago history and culture.
Their burgers follow the Chicago tradition of doing classic preparations exceptionally well rather than reinventing the wheel with unnecessary complications. Fresh beef is cooked properly and served hot, with toppings that arrive crisp and fresh rather than sad and wilted.
The char-grilled flavor adds depth without overpowering the natural beef taste, proving that sometimes traditional methods really are the best methods.
What sets Portillo’s apart is their ability to maintain consistency across high volume—even during rush periods, your burger arrives meeting the same quality standards as during slower times. The efficient ordering system keeps lines moving despite the constant crowd of devoted fans.
Prices remain reasonable considering the generous portions and quality ingredients, making it possible to feed a whole family without requiring a small loan. Whether you’re a longtime Portillo’s devotee or a first-timer curious about the hype, their Champaign location delivers the authentic experience that’s earned this chain its passionate following across multiple states.