Ellsworth
Ellsworth, IL · Local Life
smilepolitely.com
The menu for JM’s Texas Craft BBQ
JM’s Texas Craft BBQ will open soon inside Lincoln Square Mall. Urbana’s new food court vendor will offer barbecue plates and smoked meat by the pound in addition to from-scratch sides and the restaurant’s only dessert: secret-recipe banana cream pudding. JM’s Texas Craft BBQ will also serve what they call an ultimate feast, which is a huge platter comprised of every single barbecue meat and side on the menu.
smilepolitely.com
Papa Del’s Pizza Factory location turns ten
The Papa Del’s Pizza Factory on Neil Street is celebrating ten years. Smile Politely got a sneak peek of what has to be one of the largest restaurants in Champaign-Urbana back in 2016, and it’s evident that when it comes to quality, consistency is key. Papa Del’s is still cranking out their famous pies (I could so go for the kitchen sink pizza right now). If you’ve moved away in the past decade or just want to try it, they ship their pizzas anywhere in the U.S. Nothing says “tenth birthday” like a good, old-fashioned pizza party. And you’ll get a special opportunity to do that very soon if you’re subscribed to our newsletter, just saying.
everafterinthewoods.com
These Illinois Roadside Stands Serve Some Of The State’s Best Gyros
Illinois takes its gyros seriously and across the state, small counters and drive-ins keep the rotisserie spinning all day. Fast food, yes. Forgettable, never. These places skip the polish and focus on the payoff. You order at the counter, then watch the knife carve the meat. Soon you get a...
everafterinthewoods.com
This Illinois Jungle-Themed Restaurant Feels Like Dining Inside A Rainforest
Imagine sitting down for dinner while animatronic elephants shift nearby and the sound of tropical rain rolls through the room. A gorilla suddenly stirs or lightning flickers across the ceiling. The dining room feels alive. This is not a quiet corner café. It is a full rainforest scene built...
nowdecatur.com
Decatur Craft Beer Festival Returns with Three Events This Spring
March 8, 2026 – The Decatur Area Arts Council has announced the return of the Decatur Craft Beer Festival, featuring three events this spring that highlight craft brewing, food and community activities. The series begins with First Pour: A DCBFest Culinary Experience on March 28 from 6 to 8...
WAND TV
Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming back to Champaign for live stage show
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Get ready for a night full of fun! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming back to the State Farm Center in Champaign. The theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children's series brings music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. Since premiering in Australia in...
nowdecatur.com
Documentary on Millikin University Founder to Premiere with Decatur Screenings
March 9, 2026 – A new documentary exploring the life and legacy of James Millikin will premiere this spring with several public screenings in Decatur. The film, The Original Big Blue: The Life & Times of James Millikin, was produced by Jim Wilkerson, president of James Millikin Homestead, Inc. and a 1997 graduate of Millikin University.
smilepolitely.com
Four beers at 25 O’Clock Brewing Company
At 208 West Griggs Street sits a cozy craft beer brewery named 25 O’Clock Brewing Company. The discerning beer connoisseur can find it on the south side of the railroad tracks on Race Street front of Silvercreek restaurant. Offering an often-changing list of craft beers, 25 O’Clock describes their...