The DI: Best of CU '26 | March 2026

THE DAILY ILLINI

1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820 || 217-337-8300

The Daily Illini is the independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign. The newspaper is published by the Illini Media Company. The Daily Illini does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois’ administration, faculty, staff or students.

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Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Sam Gregerman editor@dailyillini.com

Managing Editor: Maaike Niekerk reporting@dailyillini.com

Visual Director: Josh Fine visuals@dailyillini.com

Special Sections Editor: Chloe Barbarise specialsections@dailyillini.com

News Editor: Qaasim Jatoi news@dailyillini.com

Arts & Entertainment Editor: Annisyn Krebs-Carr entertainment@dailyillini.com

Sports Editor: Brendan Gallian sports@dailyillini.com

Copy Chief: Helen Maurer copy@dailyillini.com

Photo Editor: Sam Rink photo@dailyillini.com

Graphics Editor: Rikkie Gunawan graphics@dailyillini.com

Design Editor: Shannon Moser design@dailyillini.com

Audience Director: Audrey Lutz social@dailyillini.com

Social Media

Editor’s note

There’s no other way to describe Champaign-Urbana other than vibrant.

Whether it’s the bustling nightlife, with lines wrapped around the street to get into KAMS or the diverse food scene that stretches from downtown Champaign to Urbana, the people and places of C-U are what make this town extraordinary.

As The Daily Illini’s arts & entertainment editor, I’ve grown to love C-U more every day. After a year in my role of leading the A&E section and reporting on our local arts scene, I’ve realized how radiant our community is.

So I am honored to share this radiance with you and present this year’s Best of CU — all the best parts of C-U, wrapped up in one magazine, our DI

magazine made just for this community.

The DI gathers votes from students and locals yearly on their favorite places in the area, stretching even beyond Campustown. Following a tradition over two decades old, Best of CU highlights the campus, community, food & drink, local businesses and music & arts that make C-U unforgettable.

Are you looking for the best place to grab a sandwich, the most peaceful spot to cry, the DJ you have to go see on Friday night or the perfect place to have that special first date? This edition of Best of CU promises to guide you through the hidden spots you’ve never heard of and the local artists you need to know before next week’s house shows.

With almost 70 categories spanning from Best Smoke Shop to Best Quad, I hope that after reading, you’ve found something new to cherish about C-U. I know I have.

5 » Best Study Spot

6 » Best Bathroom

6 » Best Place to Cry

7 » Best Nap Spot

7 » Best Place to People Watch

GIES MEMORIAL STADIUM

BEST SPORTS VENUE

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

SAHIL MITTAL

sahilsm3@dailyillini.com

The newly named Gies Memorial Stadium plays host to Illinois’ football team, which has grown into a legitimate postseason threat throughout the past several seasons. The Illini have won two straight bowl games and had at least nine wins in back-to-back seasons — a first in program history. With the success of recent alumni in the NFL as well, Illinois is using Gies Memorial Stadium as a building ground for the best of the best in football.

As the Illini have improved and invested more into the

product on the field, the athletic department is doing the same with the facility that houses them. Gies Memorial Stadium will also receive the largest video board in college football next season, thanks to a $100 million donation from billionaire alum Larry Gies to the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

It is hopefully one of the first of many upgrades that Illinois fans can expect to the historic home of a premier college football team. Four sellouts in a row last season and the fifth-straight year in which attendance has increased under head coach Bret Bielema also bode well for the future atmosphere of Gies Memorial Stadium.

WASSAJA HALL

SHAWARMA BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD

SPORTS EDITOR

BRENDAN GALLIAN

bdg4@dailyillini.com

Nearly a century and a half ago, Carlos Montezuma, also known as Wassaja, delivered a speech on the plight of Native Americans in the United States.

The Daily Illini, known then as The Illini, chronicled the moving oration in its May 5, 1883, issue.

Now, 143 years later, Wassaja is a regular feature in the paper, as he lends his name to the Best Dorm on campus.

Wassaja Hall consistently earns high praise because of its private bathrooms, computer lab

CAFFE PARADISO BEST DORM

and music practice rooms, but the true poetry of the building is in its ties to Montezuma.

Even beyond the name, the building reflects Montezuma.

“The Long Way Home,” the series of sculptures that flank the entranceway, echoes his precise ideals.

The first floor also features wood paneling made with logs felled in the 1800s as a subtle nod to Montezuma’s 1884 graduation from the University.

The dorm today is accented with all the beauty that Montezuma’s speech contained decades ago. Just as The Illini described the speech as a “most vivid … and beautiful picture,” so too stands Wassaja Hall.

BEST STUDY SPOT

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

ANNISYN KREBS-CARR annisyn2@dailyillini.com

Sometimes studying in a stuffy library feels impossible; the drab walls and uneasy quietness make it hard to get any real work done. On those days when you have to ditch the library and head elsewhere, there’s no better spot than Caffe Paradiso.

Situated on the Urbana side of campus, the cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee, pastry and, most importantly, hunker down for eight hours and study. With brightly colored walls, twinkling lights hanging from doorframes and plants springing from pots

in various corners, there’s no better location to spend the day working on assignments.

As soon as you walk in, you are met with students hunched over their laptops or chatting with friends. It always promises a cozy atmosphere, with the sweet smell of desserts wafting through the establishment and sunlight glimmering through the windows.

With free Wi-Fi and endless seating arrangements, Caffe Paradiso bustles with warmth and conversation every day of the week. It’s more than just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a place where you can actually enjoy getting work done in a vibrant environment surrounding you.

1st (( ))

Wassaja Hall

2nd (( ))

Allen Hall

3rd (( ))

Nugent Hall

is a popular spot for students and

to do work and enjoy hot drinks and other menu items.

CAMPUS INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITY BEST BATHROOM

SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

RYAN PEARLMAN

rp36@dailyillini.com

Thriving within the northwest corner of the Bardeen Quadrangle, the Campus Instructional Facility is hard to miss. Sure, its glass windows, platinum environmental certification and large classrooms are nice and all, but everyone is well aware of the best thing the CIF has to offer: its luxurious bathrooms.

So what sets the CIF water closets apart from those on the rest of campus? For starters, the CIF has both gendered and individual freshening spaces on all five floors — basement

included — each reliably clean and sanitary.

Not only that, but these lavatories have multiple sets of paper towels and air dryers, so feel free to choose your preferred bacteria removal method. Need to fill up your water bottle? No problem, there’s a fountain right outside the door.

And the greatest part of the lavish loos? There’s a tall window peering straight into the outside world. Why wouldn’t you want to glance at some scenery while washing up?

When conducting business at the CIF, be sure to take in the moment and enjoy the atmosphere before heading back to that dreaded lab report.

BONEYARD CREEK BEST PLACE TO CRY

STAFF WRITER

KELSEY HOEVEL

khoev2@dailyillini.com

Boneyard Creek is the perfect place to go if you want your mental breakdown to be aesthetically pleasing. Whether you saw your situationship talking to someone else at the bar or the only questions correct on your midterm were your name and the date, Boneyard Creek has your back.

If you close your eyes and ignore the stench of goose poop and disappointment, you can almost pretend that Boneyard Creek is a tropical rainforest. With its rolling hills and charming

bridge, there couldn’t be a more peaceful place to send your friends 15-minute voice memos they’ll definitely listen to.

If, for some reason, they don’t, the ducks can serve as your captive audience. Unlike everyone else, they’ll never leave you.

At the edge of campus, Boneyard Creek is ideal for those who are a bit on edge themselves. Its proximity to Niemanns provides you the added benefit of drowning your sorrows in baked goods on the way over.

Speaking of drowning your sorrows, the most useful part of this utopia is the stream, because no one can tell if you add a few tears to it.

Siebel Center for Design

(( )) Illini Union 3rd (( ))

Boneyard Creek, a waterway running north of Engineering Hall, provides a spot for students to reflect as water flows by on Feb. 18.

Boneyard Creek 1st (( ))

Residence hall bathroom 2nd (( )) KCPA steps 3rd (( ))

ILLINI UNION CHAIRS BEST NAP SPOT

QAASIM JATOI

Honk shoo mimimi. Honk shoo mimimi.

Zzzghh-w-what? Huh? Sorry, I didn’t realize I nodded off. I was catching a few extra z’s at the undisputed GOAT of nap spots on campus: the Illini Union chairs.

Picture this: You just finished your morning classes and have an extra hour before the next one. Being the academic weapon that you are, you don’t have any work to do, but you don’t want to trek all the way home with such a short window to unwind.

Pqjato2@dailyillini.com SPECIAL SECTIONS

CHLOE BARBARISE

chloeb4@dailyillini.com

eople watching isn’t an unusual phrase; in fact, it’s the title track of Sam Fender’s 2025 album. Except it’s now 2026, and Fender doesn’t seem to know that the University’s Main Quad is the place to be — and see.

To watch people — nonstalkingly, of course — is less creepy than it sounds, entailing viewing others’ lives when in public spaces to witness how the world around us interacts.

It’s especially essential for a university that has over 60,000 students. Despite that number,

Inevitably, you wander into the Union and collapse into one of those big, soft, cushiony leather chairs.

Almost like fate, a pianist starts playing a familiar tune — maybe Beethoven or Bach. Your eyelids begin to droop. You try to fight it, but there’s no use — those late nights have caught up to you. Through the windows, you glimpse the bustling Main Quad while your world slows to a halt.

These chairs won best nap spot for a reason. The next time you’re dozing off in your 8 a.m., do yourself a favor: Stop at the Union and sink into the pillowy void.

Illini Union Chairs 1st (( )) Main Quad 2nd (( )) MEB nap pods 3rd (( ))

MAIN QUAD BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH

you can witness the “hearts of campus” at the University’s core.

The Main Quad was a campus hallmark by 1905, and since then, students have flocked to the lawn like the geese at Bardeen Quadrangle. Here, you’ll observe backhands galore from Frisbee enthusiasts in the fall, speedy yet likely clumsy walkers on the zigzagged ice-lined walkways in the winter and RSOs banding together to sell baked goods in the spring.

No matter the season, the Main Quad has remained a place for the community to persist, and so it does. Even as passersby, you can glimpse these connections and “people-watch on the way back home.” NEWS EDITOR

Students enjoy an afternoon of unseasonably warm weather on the Main Quad on Feb. 26, 2024.

Quad 1st (( ))

Union 2nd (( ))

Street 3rd (( ))

CAMPUS INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITY

ILLINOIS STREET DINING CENTER

TRIANGLE

PI BETA PHI

NICK OFFERMAN COOLEST UNIVERSTY ALUM

SENIOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

BRYANA PEREZ

bkperez2@dailyillini.com

Actor, woodworker, author, comedian and yes, even known as a mustache icon. Few Illini have built a legacy — or a canoe — quite like Nick Offerman himself.

Born in 1970, Offerman graduated from the College of Fine and Applied Arts with a bachelor’s in acting in 1993.

Offerman built a career for himself in acting after graduating from the University. In 2009, he was cast as Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation,” the role that launched him to fame. In 2024, he won an Emmy for

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in “The Last of Us.”

Beyond acting, Offerman is a New York Times bestselling author of six books. He is also a skilled woodworker who runs his own shop.

True to his University roots, Offerman maintains strong ties with the campus. He returned as the 2017 commencement speaker, held book signings at Japan House and even donated a handcrafted gazebo to the cultural center.

Offerman doesn’t just play a man who loves steak and building things — he actually does. His mix of talent, authenticity and genuine love for his craft makes him the coolest University alum around.

COURTESY OF NEIL GRABOWSKY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

University alum Nick Offerman speaks at the Montclair Film Festival on May 5, 2018.

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Nick Offerman

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Shel Silverstein

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Dick Butkus

BEST PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE

ZOE KIDD

zoekidd2@dailyillini.com

The world of RSOs is as open and ambiguous a field as any other. From everyday squirrel watching to a group just for October Lovers, some RSOs garner exceptional collections of unique personalities.

Generations of Illini have thought of any niche hobby they possibly could and created their own baby RSO around it. Do you have an obsession with the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show?” Audition for the Rocky Horror UIUC RSO

and be part of the live cast! Are you interested in politics and debating your own point of view? Join the Agree to Disagree RSO or any of the multitude of groups that focus on political ideologies!  Depending on which group you choose to join, RSOs can connect you with people you would never expect to meet. Joining is entirely based on what you’re interested in and could lead to finding people with similar passions.

When joining RSOs, the nature of the game is to be social. How can you get a group of like-minded people together and not find valuable friendships in the process?

ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION CENTER

BEST WORKOUT SPOT

laurafm2@dailyillini.com

Sitting at 340,000 square feet, the Activities and Recreation Center is not only the biggest gym on campus but once again has earned the coveted title of Best Workout Spot.

The ARC’s various areas include a well-being lounge, gyms and courts, pools, workout areas, specialty fitness spaces, adventure recreation and wellness spaces.

For those wanting to take a swim, the ARC features both an indoor and outdoor pool to accommodate all weather.

Anyone who wants a more traditional gym experience can find over 53,000 square feet of both strength and conditioning areas.

In terms of group workouts, the ARC also has a handful of multipurpose rooms where members can take workout classes or venture down to the virtual fitness studio and performance pods for something new. If you want to compete with friends, the ARC features a variety of gyms and courts suited for activities like volleyball, basketball, racquetball and squash.

No matter the workout, the ARC has what you need to achieve your best.

Students work out in the main room of the Activities and Recreation Center on Feb. 21.

JAPAN HOUSE BEST DATE SPOT

MANAGING EDITOR

MAAIKE NIEKERK

maaiken2@dailyillini.com

As spring slowly creeps in each year, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom and form arches of color above the pathways winding through the University of Illinois Arboretum.

These paths surround Japan House, a beautiful spot set apart from the regular business of campus but still close enough to make the perfect date destination. When Champaign-Urbana feels a little too much like the middle of nowhere, few spots are better and more convenient than this for your romantic afternoon getaway.

Originally a Victorian

house that was renovated for educational purposes, Japan House was founded by Professor Emeritus Shōzō Satō, who initially visited the University as an artist-in-residence at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in 1964. From the original house’s construction in 1975, Japan House stands today as a testament to Satō’s contributions to cultural arts education at the University.

You might be looking to impress that special someone with one of the more beautiful cultural spaces the University has to offer, or you’re just looking for a picnic spot that isn’t the Main Quad. Either way, Japan House has what you need to find romance on campus.

Japan House 1st (( ))

The Bread Company 2nd (( ))

The Literary 3rd (( ))

GALLERY ART BAR BEST OFF-CAMPUS ENTERTAINMENT

STAFF WRITER

LARS ARLANDSON

larsma2@dailyillini.com

From collage-making nights to “Heated Rivalry” dance parties, Urbana’s Gallery Art Bar has something for everyone looking for a night out.

At 119 W. Main St., patrons 18 and older are welcome Tuesday through Saturday to take part in a number of events. These events include “brat nights” that host popular local DJs and also calmer events like openmic poetry.

Gallery-goers can enjoy both classic and craft cocktails, all of which can be made zero-proof.

Aside from drinks, Gallery Art Bar’s menu includes dessert and coffee options. With a large patio in the back, the venue is the perfect place to spend your Saturdays during periods of warmer weather.

Gallery Art Bar offers a safe space for queer students and locals in the area, working closely with the queer Champaign-Urbana community to host popular events. A standout has been its “Gaybar” series — a former C-U house show venue turned traveling queer space.

A great space for both locals and students, Gallery Art Bar is a hub for proper nightlife on the quieter side of town.

Swim Ignorant Fire, a group known for its experimental ambient sound, performs at Gallery Art Bar on Nov. 7, 2025.

Gallery Art Bar 1st (( ))

Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch 2nd (( ))

AMC Champaign 13 3rd (( ))

JSM LIVING BEST LEASING COMPANY

STAFF WRITER

JUDE PANLILIO

jpanl2@dailyillini.com

It comes as no surprise that the business to dethrone Roland Realty’s reigning spot as Best Leasing Company in ChampaignUrbana is JSM Living. The familyowned company has run the local rent scene for more than 50 years, managing over 1,300 apartments and counting across the greater campus area.

In 2024, the company grappled with hundreds of potential tenants lining up at its Green Street location for in-person lease signings. Despite initial struggles to meet the staggering demand, JSM

transformed its leasing structure into a more streamlined virtual system, which it has maintained amid soaring tenant numbers.

JSM offers a swath of practical amenities for its residents, like its wide-reaching VIP program, which offers discounts to participating members at over 20 popular campus businesses.

Its upcoming residence building, The Station, is just two blocks west of the Bardeen Quadrangle and expected to open this fall. If recent history is any guide, JSM may greet yet another deluge of hungry students ready to devour the company’s spectacular units at The Station. Better sign up for a leasing appointment fast!

THE DAILY ILLINI BEST NEWS OUTLET

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SAM GREGERMAN

sg94@dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini has been a pillar of the ChampaignUrbana community since its first publication hit the press in 1871. As the University’s only independent student-run newspaper, the staff dedicates itself to serving diverse, unbiased news to its readers.

Students from all majors and interests converge in the basement of the University YMCA, coming together over a shared passion for journalism.

While writers often stand in the spotlight at written publications, The DI proudly

employs a diverse staff of over 250, which includes reporters, copy editors, columnists, photographers, graphic artists, designers and videographers.

Ranging from hard-hitting news about University funding cuts to cultural analyses of the infamous “Banana Man,” The DI’s content coverage aims to span as far as the C-U community can reach.

No matter how local and national politics continue to change, The DI stands strong and always remains committed to pursuing journalistic excellence, protecting student media and giving as many University and community voices a chance to speak out.

JSM Living 1st (( )) Roland Realty 2nd (( )) University Group 3rd (( ))

Feb. 18.

THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SAM GREGERMAN

sg94@dailyillini.com

It doesn’t matter where you’re from. Pancakes are certainly for everyone!

Whether you want a nice sitdown Sunday brunch or you’re looking to take a heaping plate of fluffy buttermilks to go, The Original Pancake House is the place to eat with your family.

The Champaign-Urbana location of this national treasure opened in 1976 and has only seen two local owners since its beginning. Current owner Eric Faulkner appreciates his customers and staff so much that they all “feel as if OPH is

our second family.”

Just a little way west of campus, The Original Pancake House boasts a homey atmosphere with a diverse array of breakfast delicacies. The restaurant is almost always bustling with customers eager for the pancakes they dreamt about the previous night.

The Original Pancake House is particularly busy on Moms and Dads Weekends and will likely only grow busier with this year’s verdict for Best Family Restaurant.

As soon as you know a family member is coming to town, be sure to visit! And if it’s busy, make sure to join the waitlist to get those pancakes.

SHAWARMA

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD THE SPACE

MOST UNIQUE RESTAURANT

STAFF WRITER

JUDE PANLILIO

jpanl2@dailyillini.com

The Space has won the Most Unique Restaurant category since its arrival in Champaign-Urbana in 2023 — an impressive track record for such a fresh-faced addition to the citys’ eclectic food scene.

Perhaps it’s something to do with The Space’s dedication as an avenue for community arts. The restaurant frequently hosts live music nights, drag performances and open mic shows.

Regardless of the gig type, the audience is usually invited to jump onstage, encouraging budding local artists to strut

their stuff in the eyes of their townie peers.

Others credit The Space’s mainstay cultural presence to its playfully novel menu. The Space’s selection of locally sourced dishes goes beyond delighting the senses, reminding us that even the most commonplace American meals can be made exciting again if prepared with a little love — and a lot of whimsy.

One may never find the exact reason behind The Space’s local charm it’s possessed, but no matter. Make sure to take an afternoon to visit the venue, and between the bites of smacking good food and the live punk-rock hammering the air, you may just find one of your own.

MAPLE & YOLK

BEST BREAKFAST PLACE

STAFF WRITER

ALEX MURPHY

alexm10@dailyillini.com

Looking for the perfect brunch spot to take your mom in April for Moms Weekend? Just off campus, Maple & Yolk is quite possibly the most perfect choice you could make.

Maple & Yolk reopened its doors in March 2025 after being in business for nearly 30 years as Urbana Garden Family restaurant. Serving up breakfast and lunch with a side of signature cocktails, the restaurant’s varied menu has something for everyone in your group.

Whether you want a sweet

dish like pancakes or a savory dish like eggs Benedict, the options are endless. And if breakfast food isn’t your thing? You can so totally choose from a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads and more!

The restaurant does not take reservations, so plan ahead if you really want a table. However, if you don’t want to wait at the restaurant for your table, Maple & Yolk still has your back with a virtual waitlist.

Whether you’re craving a boozy brunch or a hot specialty coffee in the earlyish hours of the morning, Maple & Yolk has you covered with specialty beverages and its breakfast staples.

The Space 1st (( )) The Literary 2nd (( ))

The Bread Company // Maize Mexican Grill 3rd (( ))

A spread of breakfast items sits on a table at Maple & Yolk on Feb. 18, including an Iced Maple Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, a Hash Stack Skillet and pancakes.

Maple & Yolk 1st (( ))

The Original Pancake House 2nd (( )) Merry-Ann’s Diner 3rd (( ))

THE BREAD COMPANY BEST SANDWICH

COPY CHIEF

HELEN MAURER

hmaurer2@dailyillini.com

In a bustling part of the University’s Urbana campus sits The Bread Company, frequented by professors, students and ChampaignUrbana residents. There, you can find warm, top-rated sandwiches, often served with soup or salad on the side.

The Bread Company has 10 selections of cold sandwiches, offering a range of options like Egg Salad, Salami and Roast Beef. It also has 10 warm sandwiches, like the Hawaiian, Cheesesteak and Portobello.

If you’re in the mood for

breakfast, it’s got that covered, too, offering breakfast sandwiches with egg, dijonnaise and cheese, served on toasted bread and an addition of assorted proteins.

The bread used in its sandwiches is freshly made Monday through Friday, with seven total options: zopf, French, Swiss, rye, baguette, bâtard and whole wheat. It uses freshly made products from the C-U area, like coffee beans from the local Columbia Street Roastery.

The Bread Company is a local and family-owned business, and its prime location near the Main Quad offers accessible dining and a healthy option for campus patrons who are looking to avoid chain restaurants.

Porketta &

MANOLO’S PIZZA & EMPANADAS

BEST PIZZA

SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

AVERY PATERSON

averyep2@dailyillini.com

Who does pizza best?

The question is hotly debated across the world. But to our Best of CU voters, the easy answer is Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas.

If you’re tired of thick, doughy pies, or it’s that floppy, flimsy, foldy quality you truly crave, you’ll find everything you’re looking for behind the Manolo’s counter.

The small storefront on Oregon Street in Urbana is more geared to the grab-and-goers, but it offers a few barstools and outdoor tables for those who

want to stay a while. A handful of stools next to the front window are the best (and only) seats in the house.

In its list of 30 specialty pizzas, one can find the Fiesta — an explosion of pepperoni, jalapeno and “fiesta” sauce — and the Spotted Goat — spinach, mushrooms and goat cheese over a roasted garlic alfredo sauce.

Even the plainest of Manolo’s pizzas is shockingly satisfying, as gooey and flavorful as anyone could hope for. If its three-peat Best of CU title is any indication, the good people at Manolo’s know what they’re doing, as the community keeps coming back for more.

FOOD

Students enjoy slices of the Spotted Goat pizza from Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas on Feb. 25.

Manolo’s

SHAWARMA

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD BLACK DOG SMOKE & ALE HOUSE

SENIOR COPY EDITOR

ALEXA LIS

arlis3@dailyillini.com

Abit unassuming from the outside, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is quite literally a hidden gem tucked away in downtown Champaign.

Upon entering the doors of the brick building, customers are welcomed by the aroma of freshly cooked meats topped with sweet, spicy and tangy barbecue sauces.

Though the organization of the barbecue restaurant’s menu is relatively simple, it provides nine different options for barbecued proteins, ranging from pulled pork to jackfruit to catfish. Furthermore, a selection

SMITH BURGER COMPANY BEST BBQ BEST BURGER

SENIOR COPY EDITOR

ALEXA LIS

arlis3@dailyillini.com

With locations in both Champaign and Urbana and a food truck that travels around central Illinois, Smith Burger Company is there to nix your burger cravings anytime, anywhere.

The restaurant’s fun-loving, relaxed vibe truly comes to life with its smash burgers’ severely unique names, which notably include the Wiscanson Smasher, City Slicker, Rocky Balboa and Spicy Greenga.

Its kids’ menu includes several Lil Smittys, junior meals that all come with a side of Oreos

of 10 barbecue sauces allows each customer to modify their meal to their preferences.

The restaurant also offers a weekly special to add a level of variety, making each visit a little bit different.

With large portion sizes and a variety of classic barbecue sides, Black Dog knows that not every customer can finish their meal before leaving for the evening. With this in mind, the restaurant dedicates an entire page of its website to reheating instructions for each specific menu item.

It’s this attention to detail and care for its customers that earns Black Dog the title of Best BBQ in Champaign-Urbana year after year.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House 1st (( )) bb.q Chicken 2nd (( ))

Li’l Porgy’s Bar-B-Q 3rd (( ))

to give every kid the sugar rush you know they’re hoping for.

Burger toppings range from fried eggs to sauteed vegetables to pepperoni and marinara. Make your juicy, flavorful burger a well-rounded meal with a side of crispy, salty fries or onion rings.

If none of Smith Burger Company’s 15 burger options suit your fancy, the restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches, tacos and salads that might satisfy your craving if you’re looking for a lighter bite.

Next time you’re looking for a delicious burger, bring your family down to Smith Burger Company for a great time and some delectable eats.

JARLING’S CUSTARD CUP

BEST ICE CREAM

SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

CHLOE BARBARISE

chloeb4@dailyillini.com

Here’s the inside scoop: Jarling’s Custard Cup has creamed its competition three years in a row. And it doesn’t appear to be chilling out anytime soon.

For over 40 years, the prized Champaign-Urbana establishment has been home to the coldest ice cream in the coolest university town. Flavors range from vanilla and chocolate to fruity-filled fun with strawberry and lemon. Or maybe it wasn’t “mint to be,” and you can instead opt for the Flavor of the Week.

Jarling’s also offers a flood of frozen treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a cone, snowstorm or sundae, this shop has got you covered. To top it off, if you’re ever in need of a hearty beverage, look no further than its milkshakes, freezes and oldfashioned sodas.

It truly can’t get much better than this, and turns out, it doesn’t have to! Best of CU voters know what they like, what they don’t and which ice cream shop wins their “flavor-ite.”

Never visited? Find it at 309 W. Kirby Ave. Once you pull into the parking lot, you’ll likely think to yourself: “SCOOP, there it is!”

Jarling’s Custard Cup 1st (( ))

The Main Scoop 2nd (( ))

Cold Stone Creamery 3rd (( ))

JARLING’S CUSTARD CUP BEST MILKSHAKE

MANAGING EDITOR

MAAIKE NIEKERK

maaiken2@dailyillini.com

Only one beverage can bring all the boys to the yard. Only one beverage can skyrocket GAP jean sales and have a hit dance to go alongside it. Only one beverage can liquify the best dessert out there and somehow make it infinitely better.

And only one ChampaignUrbana location can make the best version of this beverage for the third year running.

Somebody call up Kelis; Jarling’s Custard Cup has yet again picked up the title of Best Milkshake. The local creamery,

proudly presenting sweet treats that are made fresh daily, has received attention from publications spanning Today to Business Insider. Add The Daily Illini to that list.

The C-U classic location isn’t as far away as you might think, just a brief jaunt from the west end of campus on Kirby Avenue. If milkshakes aren’t your jam, you can enjoy custard, pies and nondairy slushie options (better known as “sleets”).

With its bustling kitchen open year-round, Jarling’s is here to suit your milkshake cravings. It can definitely treat you — it will just have to charge.

(( ))

2nd (( ))

Diner 3rd (( ))

STAFF WRITER JUDE PANLILIO

jpanl2@dailyillini.com

How many late-night study sessions and watch parties have been saved by Chopstix’s swift food delivery? An affordable fixture among Green Street’s Asian food scene, Chopstix offers a cheap and delicious alternative for many a poor college student craving a speedy midnight meal. With an abundance of familiar Chinese-American classics like crab rangoons and orange chicken, Chopstix’s expansive menu is sure to satisfy even the broadest of party palates. But what truly elevates

THE HIMALAYAN CHIMNEY BEST CHINESE FOOD

the restaurant to campuswide recognition is its “delivery until 3 a.m.” policy. This cements Chopstix as one of the most reliable joints in ChampaignUrbana for convenient Chinese dining within the restaurant’s two-mile delivery radius — that covers as far as PAR!

If you haven’t had Chopstix yet, expect to encounter it soon. As the now three-year reigning champion of C-U’s Best Chinese Food, it’s difficult to find a friend group or evening occasion where the restaurant’s to-go boxes don’t grace the table.

Don’t shy away from the food, sure to be shared thanks to its bountiful portion sizes — you won’t regret it.

BEST INDIAN FOOD

fabbott2@dailyillini.com

Who said you have to leave ChampaignUrbana to travel the world? The Himalayan Chimney transports international flavors right to our small part of Illinois. Sitting unassumingly in downtown Champaign, The Himalayan Chimney is one of the Best Indian Food options C-U has to offer.

With an extensive menu, experienced Indian cuisine connoisseurs and newbies alike are guaranteed to find something to enjoy. When analyzing the menu at a glance,

the first item a diner should select is from the naan list. With seven different types of naan like plain, garlic, pesto and cheese, your meal is sure to start with a bang.

From there, customers can choose their own adventure — depending on spice tolerance. For something with a strong kick to it, the Chicken Biryani is sure to impress. While the Paneer Butter Masala and the Chicken Tikka Masala are significantly less spicy, they still pack a punch in terms of flavor and tastiness. Adding to the comfort of the food itself is the cozy, dim-lit atmosphere, sure to complete a transformative dining experience.

on Feb. 28, 2025.

The Himalayan Chimney 1st (( ))

Naya 2nd (( ))

Kohinoor Indian Restaurant & Lounge 3rd (( ))

SHAWARMA

RISTORANTE

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD

STAFF WRITER

JAHZARA NORRIS

jahzara2@dailyillini.com

Since 1999, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano has made itself known for its fresh, house-made Italian food. It has become a reliable favorite for students, locals and visitors throughout the years.

Known for its signature bread and olive oil appetizer that comes free with every meal, Biaggi’s prides itself on creating a traditional Italian dining experience. Its menu offers a curated selection of imported pastas, soups, salads, pizza, seafood, steaks and desserts. There’s also a broad assortment of imported and domestic wines.

With large portions and affordable prices, this restaurant is perfect for a date or a classy night out with friends and family. The restaurant enriches its environment with rustic decor and soft, warm lighting, creating an inviting upscalecasual atmosphere.

Dining at Biaggi’s feels like stepping straight into an old-country Italian trattoria. The restaurant features a private dining and wine room, bookable for rehearsal dinners and family reunions, among other occasions.

Biaggi’s is the place to go when you’re craving Italian cuisine. A trip to Biaggi’s will certainly leave you feeling both full and happy.

SAKANAYA

BEST JAPANESE FOOD

ALEX MURPHY

alexm10@dailyillini.com

Green Street has no shortage of restaurants, but Sakanaya stands out from the competition that lines the road.

Offering authentic Japanese food since November 2013, Sakanaya is the perfect spot for a date, a parent visit or a reward after a long week.

Sakanaya translates to “fish market” in Japanese, and the restaurant is known to order more fish than any other restaurant in Champaign.

With a variety of nigiri and sashimi, classic rolls,

signature rolls and kitchen entrees, this restaurant will have something for everyone. Offering featured items like the Cali Crunch, Playgirl and Willis Tower, you are sure to leave full and planning your next visit. The restaurant also provides a vegetarian menu with appetizers, rolls and entrees to provide a varied menu for everyone.

Bustling on weekends, ensure to plan ahead by either arriving early or joining the virtual waitlist; the restaurant doesn’t take reservations.

Sakanaya is always a good choice, and it is open every day of the week, with the exception of Mondays.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

1st (( )) Mia Za’s 2nd (( ))

Manzella’s Italian Patio 3rd (( ))

STAFF WRITER

LILLIE SALAS

lmsalas2@dailyillini.com

The people of Champaign-Urbana have not been silent about their affections for this local gem. With a location in downtown Champaign, KoFusion is a standout spot for Korean cuisine.

KoFusion features an extensive menu, with specials like the Korean BBQ Four Course Dinner. Fresh pork, Bul Go Gee, La Galbi and American Wagyu Short Rib are cooked at your table, accompanied by six traditional Korean sides of your choice.

SHAWARMA JOINT BEST KOREAN FOOD

The pleasant atmosphere ties the dining experience together. If you’re one to appreciate the bustling scenery of downtown, the surplus of outdoor seating arrangements will do the trick.

The clean, chic decor curates an ambiance that will make you want to sit for hours. Lucky for you, different flavor palettes load the cocktail menu for whatever your desire may be.

KoFusion is a spot that you don’t want to pass up on while experiencing the vastness of C-U’s local food joints. With food and drink options for those seeking Korean cuisine, the restaurant offers an immersive and unique dining experience like no other.

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD

SENIOR COPY EDITOR

AMARTYA NALLURI

nalluri4@dailyillini.com

With both a Champaign and Urbana location, Shawarma Joint proudly serves as both a staple of food culture in the community and as the Best Middle Eastern Food on campus.

The restaurant can range from blisteringly busy to calm and peaceful, but the service never slows or falters. Even during the most extreme rush hours, when customers are clamoring for a lunch special, the workers keep the line moving.

With choices of a pita, wrap or bowl, the perfect amount of

food is always readily available for the right moment. The build-your-own option allows for further customization and the choice of traditional ingredients like baba ghanouj and sumac onions — as long as you stick to the allotted number of toppings for your meal.

The sides are a particular hit: The falafel is crunchy and always fresh, and the fries are served hot and piled high. Every bowl even comes with pita bread for dipping and scooping.

The gigantic proportions, casual atmosphere and rapid service make Shawarma Joint an easy pick for Best of CU and also a must-try for anyone roaming on campus.

1st (( )) Dubai Grill

Joint

2nd (( )) Niro’s Gyros

3rd (( ))

SHAWARMA BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD

MEXICAN FOOD

SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER EVY YORK

evyyork2@dailyillini.com

With two locations on Neil Street and a popular food truck outside Joe’s Brewery after midnight, Mo’s Burritos is Champaign-Urbana’s Best Mexican Food of 2026. No matter if someone stops by the lively food truck or its traditional restaurant locations, Mo’s gives its customers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine right here in C-U.

While it is widely known in the community for its namesake burritos, Mo’s has a diverse menu, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner

options for all. Customers can try out Mo’s various tamales along with its breakfast burrito if they want an early morning bite, a special aspect of the family-owned restaurant that makes it unique.

Mo’s also has a portion of its menu dedicated to Salvadorian options. Its standout dishes include, but aren’t limited to, Carne Guisada and Churrasco Salvadoreño.

A trip to Mo’s can’t be complete without trying out a slice of tres leches cake or empanadas. All of the unique corners of its menu come together to make it a staple in C-U, as is evident by its Best Mexican Food and Food Truck wins.

Mo’s Burritos 1st (( ))

Maize Mexican Grill 2nd (( ))

Huaraches Moroleon 3rd (( ))

BANGKOK THAI & PHO 911

BEST THAI FOOD

SENIOR COPY EDITOR

ELEANOR HENRICKSEN

eh19@dailyillini.com

As the Champaign-Urbana food scene shifts semesterly, Bangkok Thai Restaurant & Pho 911 continuously remains desired by the academic and local scene.

Tucked just aside from the bustle of Green Street, Bangkok Thai & Pho 911 is a pocket of warmth that you can’t help but return to, no matter how many times you’ve been.

Inside, the chatter is constant, the tables full and yet, everyone seems united by just one thing: They’re here for good food. Whether you’re

a freshman sick of dining hall repeats or an upperclassman craving a big portion at a fair price, Bangkok Thai & Pho 911 never misses.

Its menu is full of Thai comfort classics: pad Thai, rich curries, liquid gold pho, crispy crab rangoon and sweet Thai iced tea. Each dish can be tailored on a one-to-six spice scale, with the sixth level offering the most heat.

Bangkok Thai & Pho 911 is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and if you haven’t already, head in and find out just why so many people keep coming back. You’ll understand the hype as soon as your food hits the table.

Red curry, pad kee mao, fried rice and Thai tea are some of the popular items at Bangkok Thai Restaurant & Pho 911 on Feb. 21.

1st (( )) Sticky Rice 2nd (( )) Siam Terrace 3rd (( ))

Bangkok Thai & Pho 911

SENIOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

OLIVIA DVORAK

odvor2@dailyillini.com

KAMS has officially claimed the title for Best Bar in this year’s Best of CU, and it comes as no surprise. Known as the Home of the Drinking Illini, the campus staple continues to deliver great nights out — whether you remember them or not.

You can do it all at KAMS: dance with your friends upstairs, watch Illinois sports games downstairs or chat with strangers at outdoor tables. There’s even enough room to take a casual lap around the bar just because.

Despite everyone “icing out” its Blue Guy drinks, KAMS stays

MERRY-ANN’S DINER BEST BAR

impressively clean. Its three bathrooms actually have toilet paper and fast-moving lines that make hectic nights a little less stressful.

Besides cleanliness, KAMS keeps the fun going with themed nights every week. Time Warp Tuesdays, Senior Night Thursdays and Latin Night Fridays offer something for everyone. The bar also goes all out for holidays, decorating the ceilings with twinkling lights for occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and Christmas.

No matter how you want to spend your evening, KAMS proves it can deliver — rightfully earning the top spot for the third year in a row.

BEST DRUNK FOOD

SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER

BEN SOMERVILLE

bens4@dailyillini.com

When you’ve had one too many Fuck It Buckets from The Red Lion and you’re in need of some late-night eats, look no further than Merry-Ann’s Diner. The down-to-Earth diner has everything you could ever want when under the influence.

From greasy burgers to a Belgian malted waffle, Merry-Ann’s offers a plethora of delicious food options. Whatever you’re looking for when you’re seeing double, Merry-Ann’s has you covered.

If you need something to

appease your large appetite, consider The Diner Stack, a delicious combination of hash browns, cheese, sausage patties, eggs and gravy. If you’re looking for something to wash it down with, a creamy milkshake is the way to go — if you’re brave enough.

You can even play your favorite tunes on the diner’s TouchTunes machine!

The fine establishment that’s been open since 1983 is open all day, every day. Whether you’re coming in hot from happies or closing the bar, Merry-Ann’s is there for you.

The best part: It will welcome you with open arms the next morning when you’re craving something to cure your hangover.

A plate of grilled ham and cheese and fries sits on a table at Merry-Ann’s Diner on South Neil Street on Feb. 21.

Merry Ann’s Diner 1st (( ))

Mo’s Burritos 2nd (( ))

Taco Bell 3rd (( ))

MO’S BURRITOS

READ THE STORY 1st 2nd 3rd

)) Bangkok Thai

)) Shawarma Joint

)) Maize Mexican Grill

BAKELAB PÂTISSERIE & CAFÉ

1st 2nd 3rd

)) Mo’s Burritos

BEST FOOD TRUCK READ THE STORY

)) Smith Burger Company

)) Burrito King

BANGKOK THAI

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD

)) BakeLab Pâtisserie & Café

BEST BAKERY READ

READ THE STORY 1st 2nd 3rd )) Kung Fu Tea )) Latea )) Teamoji

1st 2nd 3rd

)) Insomnia Cookies

)) Suzu’s Bakery

KUNG FU TEA

BOBA

THE SCRATCHING POST

BEST NEW BUSINESS

The winner of this year’s Best New Business title answers the big question: Where can I just hang out with cats? In a college town with no shortage of cafes, restaurants and bars, The Scratching Post opened its doors in June 2025, complete with a unique, adorable element — cats.

Located on East University Avenue, the cafe is ChampaignUrbana’s answer to the cat cafe craze, catering to students and locals alike.

Consider this: It’s finals week, or maybe it’s just one

of those “This might as well happen” days. You can step a bit outside of the bustling campus bubble and take the bus over to downtown Champaign to connect with the wilderness — that is, the over 20 cats who lounge in the cafe.

The Scratching Post also offers volunteer opportunities for those who want to get more cat time in this year, all while helping this business grow.

In fact, the cats reigning over this cafe are all waiting for their forever home. This means that if you can’t get enough of them, you’re more than welcome to take both your coffee and kitten to go!

SALT & LIGHT

SHAWARMA

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

SHALINI MANCHI

smanchi2@dailyillini.com

Salt & Light is a spot in Champaign-Urbana where you can pick up statement pieces while even benefiting the local community.

Volunteers run the store, process donations, stock shelves and manage jewelry racks. Salt & Light is home not just to clothing staples like T-shirts, pants and shoes but also a multitude of antiques and collectibles. You can even find furniture and other household essentials here.

The warehouse-like style of the store, with its arrays of clothes, groceries and other

THE LITERARY BEST THRIFT STORE BEST BOOKSTORE

items, streamlines the thrifting experience, allowing you to build the perfect outfit while perusing the aisles. With low prices, these items are accessible to students and community members alike. The store also offers weekly specials.

Through its store, Salt & Light gives 100% of its proceeds to support mobile health clinics, groceries, tax assistance and technology services, among other anti-poverty efforts.

Salt & Light has locations in both Urbana and Champaign, with the Champaign venue only accepting drop-off donations. The store in Urbana is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for any last-minute needs, with alternative timings on Sundays, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

STAFF WRITER

BLAKE NOBLE

benoble2@dailyillini.com

At The Literary, there’s something for everyone.

The self-proclaimed “bookbar” brings the genres with romance, thriller, fantasy, literary fiction and nonfiction books — plus a special spotlight on local writers. The shelves are full of stories, while the coffee, from a Toasted Coconut Cold Brew to flights of your favorite lattes, makes hanging out even sweeter.

Its cozy atmosphere and numerous events, ranging from author signings to themed launch parties and poetry readings, fill every possible

niche, making The Literary Champaign-Urbana’s favored indie bookstore-cafe-bar hybrid.

While the outside glows with a branded LED window light, the inside is decorated with muted pastels and has plenty of welcoming places to sit and savor a drink while studying or relaxing.

By day, The Literary serves as a brunch spot with small plates and locally sourced desserts from Hopscotch Bakery + Market. By night, it transforms into a bar offering cocktails and a vibrant social atmosphere.

Founded in 2021 by Jenny Shima, this hangout blends literature, food, coffee and, most of all, community, making it a place to experience the joy of books in every sense.

Various books are organized by genre on a shelf in The Literary on Feb. 20. The store includes a cafe and bar alongside its selection of books.

The Literary 1st (( )) Jane Addams Book Shop 2nd (( )) Barnes & Noble 3rd (( ))

ILLINI PANTRY

STAFF WRITER

AIDAN MILLER-HISGEN aidanm5@dailyillini.com

Liquor stores crowd campus, offering thirsty Illini endless options for their nightly escapades. Yet, amid what can feel like a bewildering swamp of possibilities, one store stands tall above the rest — grand and steadfast, like Alma Mater herself, arms open, beckoning students, “Enter. Come find whatever you are looking for.”

That noble establishment? Illini Pantry, of course.   Grand metaphor aside, Illini Pantry’s reputation is grounded in its accessibility and variety.

EVERGREEN TOBACCO BEST LIQUOR STORE

KOREAN FOOD

Colloquially known simply as “Pantry,” the shop sits on South Sixth Street and stays open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.

The building is hard to miss, painted bright orange with blue arches and trim, a nod to the University’s colors. Each square foot of the store is put to use, and walking through can sometimes feel like traversing an obstacle course, stepping over cases of Twisted Tea or squeezing between shelves of soju. Still, the staff is always happy to help anyone feeling overwhelmed.

Pantry is exactly what it needs to be: a no-frills stop for college students — and doing that reliably is what makes it a student staple.

BEST SMOKE SHOP

STAFF WRITER

MARY PIACENTE

marypp2@dailyillini.com

Tucked between the colossal apartments that line Green Street is an oasis for Champaign-Urbana stoners. Stocked with pre-rolls, flower and edibles, Evergreen Tobacco is your one-stop shop for the ingredients to your next smoke session.

If you’re looking for high-quality cannabis, Evergreen’s products won’t strain your brain or bank account. Even if you are new to smoking, this shop’s staff of happy and helpful employees are always ready to point you to the best option for your budget and tolerance.

And it’s no problem if weed is not your thing — Evergreen also offers a wide selection of nicotine pouches and vaporizers, along with snacks and incense.

On top of its menagerie of marijuana, Evergreen boasts an unparalleled accessory selection to boot. Glass cases of colorful bongs, pipes and nectar collectors line the shop’s back room. If this selection is too overwhelming, you can take a seat in the back lounge to clear your head.

So, the next time you are taking a stroll on Green Street, do not puff, puff, pass on the opportunity to stop by Evergreen. You won’t regret it!

Binny’s Beverage Depot

Evergreen Tobacco 1st (( ))

Smoke Station 999 2nd (( ))

Hunny’s Smokeshop & More 3rd (( ))

ALLURE SALON & SPA

DAZZLING NAILS

THE LITERARY

THE CANOPY CLUB

BEST MUSIC VENUE

STAFF WRITER

SOPHIA VASILAKOPOULOS

sophiav5@dailyillini.com

Looking for a music venue that provides endless amounts of entertainment to concertgoers and draws crowds in each month? The Canopy Club is the spot you’ve been seeking.

Just a block off the Main Quad and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, there’s always something happening here. Whether it’s a comedy set, concert or drag show, The Canopy Club offers events tailored to differing tastes.

“In working to achieve the highest level of entertainment,

we pride ourselves on being able to offer entertainment for all walks of life,” the venue wrote on its website. “Whether you like electronic music, rock, country, hip-hop, jazz, funk, indie or anything in between, The Canopy Club has something for you.”

The most notable way the canopy lives up to the love the Champaign-Urbana community has is by being one of the cheapest places in the area to see shows. It frequently prices tickets around the $15 mark and is ready for you to buy your own.

From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week, head over to The Canopy Club for a fun night full of music and entertainment.

BRAIN SEX

SHAWARMA

BEST LOCAL ARTIST/BAND

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD

STAFF WRITER

ELIZABETH BICHKOFF

emb10@dailyillini.com

Brain Sex defines its name in scientific or epistemological terms as “cranial coitus,” a neurological exchange of intellect between consenting individuals through new-age instrumentation and intense emotion.

Fresh from its Feb. 13 house show at The War Room, Brain Sex released its new EP, “Foreplay,” the same night on SoundCloud and Bandcamp. The band continues to ride waves of eccentricity and unapologetic self-expression, expanding on its grunge and post-hardcore

A-DEITY

roots with fuzzy guitar tones and harsh, gritty vocals that boldly carry the band’s ideals.

Brain Sex turned to its fanbase to submit the art for the cover of “Foreplay.” The EP further cements the band’s connection to its audience online and in the surrounding community.

The band’s effort to let listeners leave a mark on its projects, as well as its prevalence in the Champaign-Urbana house show scene, earns it the title of Best Local Artist/Band, with an emphasis on “local.”

As Brain Sex continues to experiment with its creative pursuits, its identity evolves and continues to break the mold in C-U and beyond.

BEST LOCAL DJ

STAFF WRITER

MARY PIACENTE

marypp2@dailyillini.com

Champaign-Urbana prides itself on a long list of bars and DIY venues that host some of central Illinois’ most talented DJs. But amid an array of talented music-afficionados who call the local music scene home, DJ A-Deity stands out as this year’s most popular local disc jockey.

A-Deity, also known as Aditi Khandelwal, has become a beloved figure in the DIY house show scene. Mixing genres like techno, Bollywood and pop, she creates sets with a unique

sound that will get your head bumping. You can listen to her mixes, like “HEROINE: TECHNO” and “ADRENALEAN: TECHNO,” on SoundCloud.

You can see A-Deity playing at hotspots like GayBar, Gallery Art Bar and The War Room. The DJ’s talent with the board even earned her a spot opening for Snow Strippers — an electronic duo with nearly 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify — at PYGMALION 2025 before the group ultimately canceled.

The next time you need to let loose on the dance floor, take a spin toward any venue boasting a lineup featuring A-Deity. You will not leave disappointed.