10 Best Southern American Restaurants In Champaign

1. The Axe Bar

4.7

Exceptional(194)

$$$$

• Southern american • Champaign

The Axe Bar in Champaign offers an exhilarating combination of axe throwing and a vibrant sports bar atmosphere, truly setting itself apart in the Bar/Lounge/Bottle Service scene. Crowned Champaign’s Best Unique Experience in 2022, this venue promises more than just drinks—it delivers a memorable night out. Guests rave about the “excellent service” and “nice array of drink options,” ensuring every visit feels special. Whether you're enjoying their signature cocktails or savoring tasty bites like the "amazing spicy cheese curds," The Axe Bar guarantees a lively, fun-filled experience. With attentive staff and a dynamic ambiance, it's the perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.

A photo of Houlihan's - Champaign restaurant

2. Houlihan's - Champaign

3.3

Good(318)

$$$$

• Southern american • Champaign

A local spot with your well-made American comfort food in a welcoming space for all comfort food near campus and State Farm Center. Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar serves locally sourced burgers, hand-breaded chicken sandwiches, classic pastas, and rotating seasonal specials. Our spacious dining room, bar, and a cozy backyard welcomes everyone - colleagues, families, solo diners, and Game Day celebrations. Large tables for groups, quiet corners for meetings. Full bar, craft cocktails, free parking.

A photo of Red Lobster - Champaign restaurant

3. Red Lobster - Champaign

3.8

Excellent(22)

$$$$

• Southern american • Champaign

At Red Lobster, we don’t just serve your seafood favorites—we serve an experience that makes you want to come back for more. That can’t-stop-smiling, pass-the-Cheddar Bay Biscuits kind of happy. It’s the joy that comes when the lobster hits the table, the shrimp hits just right, or you get the perfect crack on your crab leg. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just indulging on any given day, every visit feels like an occasion even if there isn’t one. So pull up a chair, grab a biscuit (or three). We’ve got delicious seafood, smiles, and good vibes. Come taste what we’re all about at your local Red Lobster today.

A photo of Oskee's Sports Pub at Atkin's Golf Club restaurant

4. Oskee's Sports Pub at Atkin's Golf Club

4.9

Exceptional(6)

$$$$

• Southern american • Champaign

Booked 2 times today

Nestled on the scenic grounds of Atkins Golf Club in Urbana, IL, Oskee’s Sports Pub is your go-to destination for great food, drinks, and Illini pride. Designed with the true Illinois fan in mind, we offer a vibrant sports bar atmosphere perfect for game days, casual gatherings, and everything in between.From handcrafted cocktails to a menu built for sharing, every visit feels like a celebration. Whether you’re here to catch the big game, host a private event, or enjoy post-round drinks on the patio, Oskee’s delivers a welcoming space for fans, friends, and families alike.

5. The FourNine

4.2

Awesome(316)

$$$$

• Southern american • Mount Zion

Booked 10 times today

Small restaurant packed with an amazing menu, and cold beer. We give Mt Zion a flavor profile that you do not get in any other restaurant in town.

A photo of Saltgrass Steak House - Danville restaurant

6. Saltgrass Steak House - Danville

4.6

Exceptional(749)

$$$$

• Southern american • Danville

Booked 2 times today

Saltgrass Steak House in Danville, IL, is a shining beacon of authentic American cuisine, celebrated for its award-winning steak offerings, particularly the Angus Beef steaks, expertly seasoned with Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice and finished with delectable garlic butter. Diners rave about the "phenomenal" food and "legendary hospitality," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true taste of America. With a commitment to quality, all breads, dressings, soups, and desserts are made from scratch daily, adding to the restaurant's charm. The Thanksgiving buffet is particularly noteworthy, praised for its "terrific food and excellent service," ensuring a memorable American dining experience.

7. Revery

4.0

Excellent(228)

$$$$

• Southern american • Bloomington / Normal

Revery in Bloomington, Illinois, is a standout destination for exquisite Seafood cuisine, offering a delectable array of dishes that are both authentic and skillfully prepared. Diners rave about the "best Scallops" they've ever tasted, with others applauding the perfectly cooked and flavorful Scottish Salmon. The restaurant's commitment to quality and freshness is evident in every bite, with dishes like the shrimp bucatini and crab cake bruschetta leaving guests thoroughly impressed. The experienced chefs at Revery ensure that each dish is a harmonious blend of modern flavors and classic techniques, making it a must-visit for Seafood aficionados seeking an extraordinary dining experience.

A photo of Red Lobster - Forsyth restaurant

8. Red Lobster - Forsyth

4.2

Awesome(6)

$$$$

• Southern american • Decatur

At Red Lobster, we don’t just serve your seafood favorites—we serve an experience that makes you want to come back for more. That can’t-stop-smiling, pass-the-Cheddar Bay Biscuits kind of happy. It’s the joy that comes when the lobster hits the table, the shrimp hits just right, or you get the perfect crack on your crab leg. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just indulging on any given day, every visit feels like an occasion even if there isn’t one. So pull up a chair, grab a biscuit (or three). We’ve got delicious seafood, smiles, and good vibes. Come taste what we’re all about at your local Red Lobster today.

A photo of Smoke Lab Lounge @ SEVEN POINT. restaurant

9. Smoke Lab Lounge @ SEVEN POINT.

4.8

Exceptional(6)

$$$$

• Southern american • Danville

Smoke Lab Lounge is where cannabis culture meets the rhythm of music. Enjoy nightly music-themed events in a relaxed, welcoming space designed for chill vibes, creative connection, and cannabis consumption. From karaoke and music bingo to music trivia, movie nights, live music, and vinyl night, there’s always something new to experience. Sip on refreshing hemp-infused drinks, classic soft drinks, take a puff of a joint, and enjoy a tasty menu of shareable bites. Devices for cannabis consumption are available, offering guests an interactive and experimental way to elevate their evening. Whether you're flying solo or vibing with friends, Smoke Lab Lounge invites you to explore, connect, and unwind — one beat, one bite, one sesh at a time.

A photo of Red Lobster - Bloomington - Eldorado Rd. restaurant

10. Red Lobster - Bloomington - Eldorado Rd.

4.4

Awesome(19)

$$$$

• Southern american • Bloomington / Normal

At Red Lobster, we don’t just serve your seafood favorites—we serve an experience that makes you want to come back for more. That can’t-stop-smiling, pass-the-Cheddar Bay Biscuits kind of happy. It’s the joy that comes when the lobster hits the table, the shrimp hits just right, or you get the perfect crack on your crab leg. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just indulging on any given day, every visit feels like an occasion even if there isn’t one. So pull up a chair, grab a biscuit (or three). We’ve got delicious seafood, smiles, and good vibes. Come taste what we’re all about at your local Red Lobster today.

Best Southern American Restaurants in Champaign

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. The Axe Bar

2. Houlihan's - Champaign

3. Red Lobster - Champaign

4. Oskee's Sports Pub at Atkin's Golf Club

5. The FourNine

6. Saltgrass Steak House - Danville

7. Revery

8. Red Lobster - Forsyth

9. Smoke Lab Lounge @ SEVEN POINT.

10. Red Lobster - Bloomington - Eldorado Rd.

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