An exterior view of Merry Ann's Diner located in Downtown Champaign (Anne-Marie Cheely, Buzz photographer)

Runners-up

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich 43 E. Green St., C. 344-6200 (and various other locations)
Gumby’s 1409 S. Neil St., C. 355-3278
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The sign at the north side of the restaurant reads “No studying between 9 and 3” with the a.m.’s and p.m.’s following both numbers; it is clearly up to the reader to decide which time period is most convenient for their personal study break.

Merry Ann’s Diner is allowed to have signs with ambiguous times because it is open 24 hours, and the hungry customers take full advantage of that. On a blustery Monday night, three booths are occupied at 11:45 p.m. Some students look like they’re taking a study break, a couple is having a quiet conversation over pancakes, and others are just quelling those late night tummy rumbles.

“Merry Ann’s has a good selection of breakfast and non-breakfast food, and they’re all delicious,” said Christine Soldner, junior in LAS, while enjoying her BLT and fries.

The restaurant’s quick turnover keeps customers (and their hunger) satisfied. The night waitress, Barb Primmer, said her favorite part of the night shift is how busy it gets.

“It’s not directly on campus, so it’s quieter than something on Green Street, and the service is good,” said Jessica Barkwill, junior in LAS, of the Neil Street and Kirby location. “Also, it’s unique to U of I.”

Merry Ann’s has a menu to satisfy all cravings, salty and sweet, and since it’s always open, the crowd is diverse depending on the time.

“Once in awhile, there are problems with the late night crowd,” said Primmer with a smile. “But not that I want to share ... or maybe, the kids wouldn’t want me to share.”