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• Celebrate warmer weather by dining outside

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Urbana-ites engage in lively conversation with their coffee and tea on the patio outside Espresso Royale on Goodwin and Oregon. Photo by Jordan Shevell

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Related Venues

Boltini Lounge »
Address: 211 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 378-8001
Show on map

Fiesta Cafe »
Address: 216 S. First St. Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 352-5902
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Espresso Royale »
Address: 1117 W. Oregon St. Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 337-6160
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Bread Company »
Address: 706 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 383-1007
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Jarling's Custard Cup »
Address: 309 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 352-2273
Show on map

Fewer people ordering hot drinks, going through more lemonade pitchers in a day than having done all winter, having to go get ice because the ice machine cannot keep up with demand…ah, Spring has arrived. Because I work in a café, the few signs of Spring’s arrival come in the aforementioned list. Naturally, patrons will order cold drinks as the weather warms up. Also, the crowd will shift from huddling closely together indoors to keep warm to enjoying the warming glow of the sun outdoors. Of course, in order for that to occur, there must be outdoor seating. So if you’re looking to make your way outside, there are quite a few places in Champaign-Urbana to consider. Just keep in mind that ice and lemonade are precious and one should not take them for granted.

Espresso Royale – 1117 W. Oregon St. in Urbana

Located on the corner of Goodwin and Oregon, this café has served loyal patrons for years. From faculty and staff to students, Espresso has been fulfilling caffeine cravings with quality coffee drinks, teas, food, and excellent service. The outdoor patio sits right along Oregon and has a pleasant blockade that shields the seating slightly from the street while maintaining the feeling of being outdoors. Customers have said they enjoy the outdoor seating because “not many places offer it on campus”. With its convenient location just off the Quad, you can enjoy your $2 latte (iced, of course) while sitting at the tables outside.

Jarling’s Custard Cup – 309 W. Kirby Ave. in Champaign

For more cold treats, head out to Jarling’s Custard Cup located on Kirby. Not only does the custard satisfy the need to fulfill that aching sweet tooth, but the venue also offers outdoor seating in the form of picnic tables and wooden benches. In addition to savoring the deliciousness of your custard creation, you can squeeze in tightly at the picnic tables with all of your best buds and feel like a little kid again enjoying the simple pleasures in life. How could that possibly be bad?

Boltini Lounge – 211 N. Neil St. #1 in Champaign

Upon recommendation from a coworker, she suggested that I mention the distinct outdoor seating atmosphere of Boltini. Describing it as delightfully different and unique because the seating is “located in a cool alley” that adds to the intimate ambience, it seems to be the place to congregate with old friends. Also, being in downtown Champaign, it is a place to meet new ones as well.

Bread Company – 706 S. Goodwin Ave. in Urbana

Located next to the Espresso previously mentioned, Bread Company (or Bread Co.) offers outdoor seating in the form of small wooden chairs and tables oozing with their own little undeniable charm. Like its indoor counterpart, the outdoor seating offers an atmosphere conducive to successful first dates, or next dates even. The tables are also sometimes equipped with candles to further set the mood. At this place, romance will literally be out in the air as you sit in their pleasant little tables.

Fiesta Café – 216 S. 1st St. in Champaign

Though a bit off campus, Fiesta café offers outdoor seating that brings you in even though you are outside. With a roof extending out over the tables, it provides the feeling of being outdoors without too much exposure. One loyal patron described it as really enjoyable because it allows one “to feel like you are outside” but provides a nice contrast because of its “cool porch-like atmosphere”. Fiesta Café provides the best of both worlds with its outdoor seating and welcoming atmosphere.