Urbana, Ohio is home to many things: a historical downtown district, a 170 year old university, a number of parks and recreational facilities. But what many don’t know is that Urbana is the perfect place to find your next favorite watering hole or your family’s new favorite sit down restaurant.

So go ahead, plan a trip into town and check out all Urbana has to offer. In the meantime, here’s a helpful guide to finding the most delicious foods and some of the trendiest restaurants the town has to offer.

1. Fusion 40. 83

Eat, drink, and relax at this family friendly bar and restaurant with an incredible selection of eclectic food.

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A well prepared meal isn’t that hard to find in Urbana, but we have to say that nothing comes close to a dining experience at Fusion 40.83. They are a full service restaurant with a menu that offers a variety of cultural food options and a bar that has an incredibly diverse beer, liquor, and fine wine selection.

At Fusion, enjoy appetizers, pizzas, salads and steak entrees, along with dinner specials like fresh Blue Marlin and lightly fried oysters. They also host ladie’s nights, with price specials and featured drink menus.

Oh, and did we mention outdoor seating?!

2. Lincoln & Main

A favorite in Urbana, this casual dining pub serves some of the best barbeque and classic American favorites in town.

‍Lincoln & Main is a great option for the Urbana native-- that is, anyone who loves great beer, great sandwiches, and locally sourced ingredients! This eatery is a great local option built so “friends and neighbors can come together to enjoy every-changing lineups of quality food, drink, and fun.”

Not only is Lincoln & Main built around this core concept, but it’s also centered on a dedication to comfort food, slow cooked meats, and draft beers. They offer 5, 12 and 16 oz pours from independent breweries, as well as an extensive list of cocktails and top shelf liquor. Check out their full drink menu here

‍The kitchen at Lincoln & Main is committed to using local ingredients whenever possible. And for events, they offer taco bars. Need we say more?

3. Coppertop Restaurant

A bar and restaurant specializing in American cuisine with a unique taste and historical atmosphere.

As an American Bar, restaurant, and banquet facility, Coppertop is a unique experience. Ribs, happy hour, and a copper ceiling (historical vibez!)

With garlic parmesan fries, chicken cordon bleu sandwiches, and philly cheesesteak sandwiches, you won’t want to leave. They offer carryout, as well as 9 inch pizzas for $5 and 14 inch pizzas for $10-- a price we definitely can’t argue with! Check out their banquet hall for your next event, too!

4. Cafe Paradiso

For coffee and a bite to eat, try this local cafe that serves italian lunch favorites.

Walk into Cafe Paradiso for a meal, or maybe for a cup of coffee for a mid afternoon pick me up. Either way, this quaint shop leaves little to be desired as both a full service restaurant and italian bistro.

Indoor and outdoor seating is offered, perfect for a lunch date with your friends in the spring. A menu full of light bites and large plates, like butternut squash ravioli, grilled italian sausage, and farfalle pasta.

Cafe Paradiso also offers vegetarian friendly options, vegan dishes, and gluten free substitutions.

5. The Farmers Daughter

Part restaurant, park bakery, part boutique, this trendy take on american favorites has it all.

Voted the #1 restaurant in Champaign county, The Farmers Daughter is a family founded establishment started by, you guessed it, the daughter of a farmer, Jenni, and her mother. They lived on a family run farm and remember entertaining people, eating home cooking, and enjoying delicious, locally sourced ingredients.

Now, the mother-daughter duo have their own restaurant to showcase some of their favorite recipes they’ve passed down from generation to generation. “I don’t know if I appreciated the value of the farm experience until later on in my life,” writes Jenni. “But now I find pride in not only being a part of the farm community in Champaign County, but also providing the opportunity for my daughter (the farmer’s granddaughter) to enjoy that life as well.”

On the menu you’ll find southern style fried chicken, burgers, fries, “homestead dinners” like chicken noodle soup and mom’s meatloaf, as well as a nice steak selection and fish medley platter.

Dig in!
What are you waiting for? Urbana, Ohio is a gold mine of trendy, delicious local restaurants just waiting to be discovered. So hop in your car, drive this way, and discover why Urbana residents never go hungry.