Best Liquor Store
Friar Tuck Beverage » 1333 Savoy Plaza Lane, 217-355-7933
Runners Up:
Piccadilly Beverage Shop » 1508 E. Colorado Ave.,
Corkscrew » 203 N. Vine St., 217-337-7704
Although it may be a bit far off campus, Friar Tuck still stands as the best place to buy alcohol for buzz readers. Located in the heart of Savoy (right by the Savoy 16 Theater and Buffalo Wild Wings), Friar Tuck holds every alcoholic beverage under the sun, from Pear Schnapps to Blue Moon to Tequila Rose. University senior Lauren ...
Best Wine Selection
Friar Tuck Beverage » 1333 Savoy Plaza Lane, 217-355-7933
Runners Up:
Corkscrew » 203 N. Vine St., 217-337-7704
Sunsinger Wine & Spirits » 1115 W. Windsor, (217) 351-1115
The wine selection at Friar Tuck is unbeatable, according to CU voters. The liquor store, located at 1333 Savoy Plaza Drive in Savoy, houses thousands of different kinds of domestic and imported wines, offering a unique taste for every differing palate. “I consider myself a wine connoisseur,” said LAS senior Greg Peterson, “and Friar Tuck is absolutely unbeatable. I go ...
Best New Business
Howbowda Bagel Co. » 611 A E. Green St., 217-328-0200
Runners Up:
Board Boutique » 702 S. Neil St., 217-355-7850
JimShoes » ,
Howbowda Bagel, conveniently located on Green Street between Sixth and Wright, was started by two University of Illinois alumni, Dustin Canter and Ryan McNeily, who noticed that there weren’t many breakfast places available on campus. “It’s very exciting to win. We’re happy that people have taken notice,” said Canter. And how could people not take notice of the shop’s vast ...
Best Drunk Food
Merry Ann's Diner » 1510 S. Neil St., 217-352-5399
Runners Up:
One World Pizza » 508 E. Green St., 217-344-4000
Antonio's Pizza » 619 E. Green St., 217-724-0053
Night after night, drunk customers migrate to Merry Ann’s Diner after the bars close to eat what has been voted this year’s Best of CU winner for Best Drunk Food. Its hometown diner feel and drunk-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to wind down after a night out. Merry Ann’s Diner has two locations, one south of campus on Neil ...
Best Burger
Legends » 522 E. Green St., 217-355-7674
Runners Up:
Farren's Pub and Eatery » 308 N. Randolph St., 217-359-6977
Murphy's Pub » 604 E. Green St., 217-352-7275
It is kickoff time, and all the seats in Legends are filled with alumni and students wearing orange shirts. They crowd the booths inside and outside to watch the game as the charcoal smell from the grill fills the air. The announcement comes over the restaurant that the next order of food is ready, and another burger slides onto the ...
Best Place to Buy Organic Groceries
Strawberry Fields (Deli) » 306 W. Springfield Ave., 217-328-1655
Runners Up:
Common Ground Food Co-op » 300 S. Broadway Suite 166, (217)352-3347
Lincoln Square Mall » 300 S. Broadway Ave.,
Organic foods are a fast-growing phenomenon in the U.S., and here in CU, you voted Strawberry Fields the best organic grocery store. Strawberry Fields, located at 306 W. Springfield Ave. in Urbana, focuses on providing “natural foods that are minimally processed and free of artificial additives and genetically modified ingredients,” according to their Web site. “Strawberry Fields is a great place where ...
Best Place to Buy Sex Toys
Illini Arcade » 33 E. Springfield Ave., 217-359-8529
Runners Up:
Fantasy's » 124 N. Neil St., 217-352-2415
Illini Video
Movies and porn tend to make sex seem like a mattress-breaking, neighbor-waking activity, complete with satin sheets, candles and positions that require the flexibility of an Olympic gymnast. C’mon, no one’s bedroom adventures are that intense. However, if your sex life is as exciting as squirrel watching on the Quad, maybe it’s time to upgrade and check out Illini Arcade. “The ...
Best Vintage Store
Dandelion » 9 E. Taylor St., 217-355-9333
Runners Up:
Carrie's Antiques & Jewelry » 204 N. Neil St., 217-352-3231
Salvation Army » 2212 N. Market St., 217-373-7832
Leopard print coat? Check. Patchwork leather jacket? Check plus. Dandelion, 9 Taylor St. in Champaign, wins this year’s Best Vintage Clothing Shop. For the past 15 years, owner Sara Hudson has been selling new and used vintage clothing to the Champaign-Urbana community. “Most people are looking for something different that they can’t find at the mall or chain stores,” Hudson said. “They ...
Best Hair Salon
Ippatsu Hair Salon » 122 N. Neil St., 217-356-6547
Runners Up:
H2O Salon and Spa » 109 N. Broadway Ave., 217-351-7512
Custom Cuts » 401 E. Green St., 217-328-0300
An intriguing name, bold décor and unique artwork sets the atmosphere for Ippatsu Salon, one in which creative freedom is key, stylist equality is staple and customer comfort and satisfaction is principle. Located on the east side of Neil Street, Ippatsu Salon has made a name for itself under the ownership of Rebecca Bedinger. Walk-ins are limited but only because ...
Best Thai Food
Siam Terrace » 212 W. Main St., 217-367-8424
Runners Up:
Basil Thai Cafe » 410 E. Green St., 217-344-9130
Nitaya Thai Restaurant » 134 W. Church St., 217-359-5540
The Champaign-Urbana area prides itself on having an exotic, diverse variety of cuisine, and Thai food is no exception. Siam Terrace, located in downtown Urbana, is home to the best Thai food in the area, according to CU voters, and offers more than just delicious food. Besides offering more than 40 main dishes including various curries, traditional pastas and specialty stir-fries, ...
Best Sushi
KoFusion » 1 E. Main St., 217-531-1166
Runners Up:
Kamakura Japanese Restaurant » 715 S. Neil St., 217-351-9898
Sushi Kame » 132 W Church St., 217-356-3366
Although KoFusion serves a variety of great food, much of the CU community seeks out its sushi menu. KoFusion, voted CU’s best place to get sushi, is located at 1 E. Main St. in downtown Champaign and makes for a memorable sushi experience. The main floor of the restaurant houses a vibrantly colored fish tank, whose blue neon lights reflect ...
Best Mexican Food
Dos Reales » 1106 W. University Ave., 217-328-0411
Runners Up:
El Toro Restaurante Mexicano » 1104 N. Cunningham Ave., 217-344-7855
Fiesta Cafe » 216 S. First St., 217-352-5902
With the rise of Chipotle, Qdoba and Taco Bell, finding authentic Mexican food can be a difficult task. However, Dos Reales, voted CU’s best Mexican food, does what it can to make sure the dishes they serve are the real deal. Restaurant Manager Elias Amador said family recipes taken straight from across the Southern border are what keep customers coming ...
Best Pizza
Papa Del's Pizza Factory » 206 E. Green St., 217-359-7700
Runners Up:
Antonio's Pizza » 619 E. Green St., 217-724-0053
Jupiter's » 39 Main St., 217-398-5988
It takes years to create the perfect pizza recipe. Thirty-eight years to be exact, according to Papa Del’s owner, Bob Monti. Papa Del’s, 206 E. Green St., wins this year’s Best Pizza category after 38 years in business. Monti said that after years of tweaking the recipe, Papa Del’s only uses all-natural ingredients and whole tomatoes to create the pizza ...
Best Breakfast Food
Merry Ann's Diner » 1510 S. Neil St., 217-352-5399
Runners Up:
Le Peep » 2209 S. Neil St., 217-352-7599
Original Pancake House » 1909-D W. Springfield Ave., 217-352-8866
Merry Ann’s Diner, with Champaign locations at 1510 S. Neil St. and 1 E. Main St., has earned high acclaim among University students and Champaign locals with its distinctive breakfast menu. The diner’s quaint atmosphere, along with its 24-hour service of pancakes, eggs, bacon and all foods essential to a classic American breakfast, attracts patrons who crave home-cooked meals in ...
Best On-Campus Bar
Murphy's Pub » 604 E. Green St., 217-352-7275
Runners Up:
Legends » 522 E. Green St., 217-355-7674
Firehaus » 708 S. Sixth St., 217-344-4171
Since earning the title of Best On-Campus Bar last spring, not much has changed at Murphy’s Pub ... and that’s why CU still loves it. Students, locals and alums alike know that Murphy’s is a great place to grab a freshly made burger, a pint of one of the many beers on tap and some authentic campus tradition. Ryan Block, ...
Best Off-Campus Bar
Blind Pig Co., The » 120 N. Walnut St., 217-398-1532
Runners Up:
Soma Ultralounge » 320 N. Neil St., 217-359-7662
Guido's Bar & Grill » 2 E. Main St., 217-359-3148
Esquire Lounge Inc. » 106 N. Walnut St., 217-398-5858
Maybe it’s the genuine sense of community or maybe just the honest and simple atmosphere, but The Blind Pig is the place to go for a fun night out in downtown Champaign. With 28 taps, the establishment prides itself on “featuring the best beer selection in downstate Illinois,” being more than happy to share their extensive list with their famous ...
Best Beer Selection
Blind Pig Co., The » 120 N. Walnut St., 217-398-1532
Runners Up:
Legends » 522 E. Green St., 217-355-7674
Friar Tuck Beverage » 1333 Savoy Plaza Lane, 217-355-7933
It might not be the first thing you notice about The Blind Pig, winner of CU’s best beer selection, but one aspect of this place that contributes to its laid-back ambience is awfully important. “There isn’t a single television in this entire bar,” says bartender Sarah Couch, “and that definitely contributes to a conversational atmosphere.” By virtue of being in ...
Best Barbeque
Lil Porgy's BBQ » 101 W. University Ave., 217-367-1018
Runners Up:
Blues BBQ » 1103 W. Oregon St., 217-239-9555
Hickory River Smokehouse » 1706 N. Cunningham, 217-337-1656
Walk in to Li’l Porgy’s Bar-B-Q and you will be immersed in a smoky barbecue aroma and greeted by friendly staff. Founded in 1979, Li’l Porgy’s has embraced an old-fashioned, Southern-style barbecue that has been long forgotten elsewhere. “Everything is home-cooked on hickory wood. It’s like a giant version of an outside grill. Many restaurants don’t hold this tradition,” said ...
Best Live Music Venue
Canopy Club » 708 S. Goodwin Ave., 217-367-3140
Runners Up:
Mike 'n' Molly's » 105 N. Market St., 217-355-1236
Cowboy Monkey » 6 Taylor St., 217-356-0006
Iron Post » 120 S. Race St., 217-337-7678
Correction: We made the mistake of printing that Seth Fein is the owner of the Canopy Club in Urbana, Ill., but this is not the case. In fact, he is the talent buyer for the venue. The owners of the venue are Ian Goldberg and Anthony Rossi. As the only true concert venue in the CU area, made so by revolving ...
Best Place to Buy Men's Clothing
Urban Outfitters » 507 E. Green St.,
Runners Up:
Board Boutique » 702 S. Neil St., 217-355-7850
Express » 2000 N. Neil St., 217-356-9542
With its trendy, indie style and on-campus location, it’s no surprise that Urban Outfitters took away the prize for Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothing. University senior Rama Vallury agrees that, “Urban Outfitters has a great location and a very wide selection. Very good prices for the clothes it sells.” Urban Outfitters opened on Green Street at the beginning of ...
Best Place to Buy Women's Clothing
Pitaya » 625 E. Green St., 217-365-6666
Runners Up:
Urban Outfitters » 507 E. Green St.,
Forever 21 » 2000 N. Neil St., 217-366-8284
There’s nothing worse than getting pumped up about that hot new dress you bought only to arrive at the party, look across the room, and see another girl wearing the exact same one. Well there is one thing that’s worse — if she looks better in it. Pitaya promises to avoid this disaster. One of the only women’s boutiques on Green ...
Best Cup of Coffee
Espresso Royale » 2409 Village Green, 217-352-1998
Runners Up:
Cafe Kopi » 109 N. Walnut St., 217-359-4266
Starbucks » 503 E. Green St., 217-344-8613
Whether you’re a student or staff member at UI, caffeine is what keeps the campus going. This year, Espresso Royale takes the title for Best Cup of Coffee. “We have a really good quality of coffee that you can’t really find at a big chain like Starbucks,” says Kim Nguyen, manager of the Espresso Royale on Daniel Street. “We brew ...
Best Smoke Shop
Jon's Pipe Shop » 509 E. Green St. , 217-344-3459
Runners Up:
Smoke Shack » 208 E. Green St.,
Undercover » 313 E. Green St.,
Since buying Jon’s Pipe Shop in 1978 while still a student at the University, owner Pat Callaghan has transformed the store into the state’s premier destination for pipe and cigar enthusiasts. “We’ve got the best selection in all of Illinois,” Callaghan said. The shop, located at 509 E. Green St., offers approximately 30,000 pipes, 60,000 cigars and 357 different tobacco blends. However, ...
Best Place to Bust a Move
Joe's Brewery » 706 S. Fifth St., 217-384-1790
Runners Up:
Soma Ultralounge » 320 N. Neil St., 217-359-7662
Highdive » 51 Main St., 217-356-2337
When that night comes around where you say to yourself, “I’m sick of just drinking and trying to pick up girls ... I just want to dance,” then Joe’s Brewery is the place where you can let the dancing queen or king take hold of you. Dan Gottschlich, general manager of Joe’s, thinks he knows why they’ve been voted best ...
Best Place to Find a One-Night Stand
Kam's » 618 E. Daniel St., 217-337-3300
Runners Up:
Joe's Brewery » 706 S. Fifth St., 217-384-1790
C.O. Daniels » 608 E. Daniel, 217-337-7411
Those looking to get their D (or V) wet need look no farther than KAM’S, the best place to find a one-night stand in Champaign-Urbana. This Illinois institution has been serving up healthy doses of hookups along with beer in plastic cups for more than 30 years. “KAM’S just has a great atmosphere,” said Megan Brown, a junior in communications ...
Best Art Gallery
Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion » 500 E. Peabody Drive, 217-333-1860
Runners Up:
Cinema Gallery » 120 W. Main St., 217-367-3711
Heartland Gallery » 112 W. Main St., 217-337-4767
Parkland Art Gallery » 2400 W. Bradley Ave., 217-351-2485
From comic strips to Japanese paper installations, the Krannert Art Museum offers art virgins and connoisseurs alike with a smorgasbord of visual delicacies to sate their aesthetic palates. You can see thousands of works of art, free of charge, just by walking or hopping on the bus to Peabody Drive in Champaign. According to director Kathleen Harleman, the museum augments its ...
Best Theater Venue
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts » 500 S. Goodwin Ave., 217-333-6700
Runners Up:
Virginia Theatre » 203 W. Park St., 217-356-9053
The Station Theatre » 223 N. Broadway Ave., 217-8384-4000
If you’ve seen a play at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, you know you can expect metropolitan-quality performances in any one of four different venues. When told of their win in this category, theater department members were very humble about their role at Krannert. “It’s great to have a bunch of artists in one shoebox,” said actor Drew ...
Best Friendliest Waitstaff
Legends » 522 E. Green St., 217-355-7674
Runners Up:
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano » 2235 S. Neil St., 217-356-4300
Dos Reales » 1106 W. University Ave., 217-328-0411
Hooter's of Champaign, Inc. » 1706 S. State St., 217-355-7682
Red Lobster » 1901 N. Prospect, 217-355-2577
Steak n Shake » 1709 S. Neil St., 217-352-5001
For several years, Legends has been a staple of the UI campus. This year, the waitstaff has reached new heights, as they were voted Friendliest Waitstaff for the Best of CU. Legends is a great place to go for an Illini game or to just kick back with friends. “Even if I didn’t work here, I’d want to come hang out,” ...
Best Place to Work Out
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) » 201 E. Peabody Drive, 217-333-3806
Runners Up:
Campus Recreation Center East - CRCE » 1102 W. Gregory Drive, 217-244-3603
Cardinal Fitness Illinois » 300 S. Broadway Ave., 217-328-2900
It’s 2:30 in the afternoon on a Tuesday, and the ARC is filled with students. The facility is one of the largest on-campus recreation facilities in the country and is a fitness oasis to the U of I campus. Not only does the ARC provide cardio equipment, free weights, a track and two 50-meter swimming pools, it also provides a ...
Best Place to Buy Music
Exile on Main Street » 1 E. Main St., 217-398-6246
Runners Up:
Best Buy » 2117 N. Prospect Ave., 217-352-8883
iTunes
For the second year in a row, Exile on Main Street (yes, it’s both located on Main Street and named after the Rolling Stones album) has been voted the best place to purchase music in the area. Casually surveying the store aisles, I was awed at the plethora of eccentric, niche-oriented music memorabilia and paraphernalia, from the latest popular LPs ...
Best Place to Buy Home Furnishings
Furniture Lounge » 9 E. University Ave. , 217-352-5150
Runners Up:
Target » 2102 N. Prospect Ave.,
Urban Outfitters » 507 E. Green St.,
It’s obvious that Furniture Lounge is no ordinary furniture store, even before entering the store. The front window is decorated with strangely dressed mannequins and psychedelic retro lamps. Inside, the store is a collage of colors. From bright yellow lamps and red chairs to old school Battlestar Galactica glasses and a huge Dunkin’ Donuts thermos, this store has it all. ...
Best Place to See a Movie
Savoy 16 Theater » 232 W. Burwash Ave., 217-355-3456
Runners Up:
Beverly Cinemas » 910 Meijer Drive, 217-359-4995
Boardman's Art Theater » 126 W. Church Street, 217-355-0068
When it comes to seeing a movie in Chambana, Savoy 16 takes the cake ... or popcorn. Whether it’s their wide selection of movies, great service or just the abundance of Milk Duds, Savoy promises excellence to each and every customer. Casey Kashnig, a manager at Savoy, says, “We really strive to put on a good presentation, greet the customers ...
Best Place to Get a Tattoo
Vision World Tattoo Studio » 104 W. University Ave. # C, 217-328-7131
Runners Up:
New Life » 404 E. Green St., 217-367-5320
Altered Egos » 630 S. Fifth St., 217-328-3469
No Regrets Tattoos & Body Piercing » 117 W. Church St.,
Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves; others will tattoo it on there for you. Vision World happens to do both. Upon entering the cozy, unassuming storefront, you are inundated with the artwork of Ray Hughes, the head tattoo artist. “I like to think of a tattoo artist as a good guide that listens and takes everything into account,” ...
Best Place to Declare Your Love for Someone
The Quad » Green Street,
Runners Up:
Allerton Park and Retreat Center » 515 Old Timber Road, 217-244-1035
University of Illinois Arboretum » Lincoln and Florida avenues, 217-333-7579
Depending on your mood, the Quad can serve several different purposes. If you’re looking to stretch your legs and kill some time, it’s the perfect playground. If you’re wondering what’s going on this weekend, countless chalked messages will let you know. And if you’re feeling romantic, it’s the place to go to declare your love for someone. According to campus legend, ...
Best Place to Buy a Bike
Durst Cycle & Fitness » 1112 W. University Ave. , 217-367-3600
Runners Up:
Champaign Cycle Co. » 506 S. Country Fair Drive, 217-352-7600
Craigslist
Looking for a way to get around town? Have an overwhelming desire to help our campus go green? Do you just love anything on two wheels? Durst Cycle has been voted the best place to check out for all your biking needs. The family-owned shop has been serving the CU area since 1935 and is now run by second generation ...
Best Place to Buy Shoes
Board Boutique » 702 S. Neil St., 217-355-7850
Runners Up:
Payless » 2002 N. Prospect Ave., 217-359-0312
Urban Outfitters » 507 E. Green St.,
Just between a colorful array of skateboards and an ultra hip lounge rest is the Board Boutique’s shoe wall — shoe heaven for any skateboarder. Located just off of Neil Street in Champaign, the Board Boutique carries four of the top names in skateboarding shoes — Supra, Etnies, eS and America — but does not cater exclusively to skateboarders. “Our shoes ...
Best Place to Get a Tan
Classic Tan » 710 S. Goodwin Ave. , 217-344-6840
Runners Up:
Electric Beach Tanning » 313 E. Green St., 217-328-4428
New Image Tanning » 701 S. Sixth St. , 217-239-7600
Going on vacation during winter break, and want to get bronzed up beforehand? Classic Tan was voted the best place to go for a good tan around CU. With business hours extending from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, it is easy to find a time slot in your day to stop by. The price of one tan in a ...
Best Date Spot
Radio Maria » 119 N. Walnut St., 217-398-7729
Runners Up:
Bacaro » 113 N. Walnut St., 217-398-6982
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano » 2235 S. Neil St., 217-356-4300
Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe » 709 S. Wright St., 217-367-7402
Jim Gould Restaurant » 1 E. Main St., 217-531-1177
Radio Maria is located in downtown Champaign, where there are many options for food and nightlife. It does not have excessive flashiness, unlike many of its competitors; the outside of the restaurant is modest. So what is it about Radio Maria that makes it so popular? “The atmosphere is really relaxed,” said Amy Moy, a student in LAS and a ...
Best Gay-Friendly Nightlife
Chester Street » 63-65 Chester St., 217-356-5607
Runners Up:
Boltini Lounge » 211 N. Neil St., 217-378-8001
Murphy's Pub » 604 E. Green St., 217-352-7275
With a reputation of being as accessible as it is exciting, the Chester Street Dance Club — affectionately known as C-Street — was a favorite for Best Gay Nightlife. “We have a nice-sized dance floor, we have a new light system, [which makes for] more of the place for people to dance,” says Kyle Ellis, combination bartender, barback and doorman. ...
Best Vegetarian Restaurant
Red Herring Coffeehouse » 1209 W. Oregon, 217-367-2340
Runners Up:
Green Onion » 2020 S. Neil St., 217-766-6588
Strawberry Fields (Deli) » 306 W. Springfield Ave., 217-328-1655
Unlike any other restaurant on campus, the Red Herring is a nonprofit vegan restaurant with a menu focusing primarily on local and organic ingredients. The restaurant is located in the vibrant and inviting basement of the Channing-Murray Foundation at 1209 Oregon St. in Urbana. The menu, which fluctuates daily, features low-price meals. Ally Simmons, a restaurant employee, said the appeal of ...
Best Park
Meadowbrook Park » Windsor Road and Race Street,
Runners Up:
Hessel Park » 1401 Grandview Drive,
Allerton Park and Retreat Center » 515 Old Timber Road, 217-244-1035
Do you hear the call of the wild? Do you have the craving for some fresh air? Then grab your hiking boots and a sturdy walking stick because it’s time for a nature walk. The destination is Meadowbrook Park, the best park in the CU area. Located on Windsor Road, Meadowbrook Park has more than 60 acres of natural prairie ...
Best Place to Have Sex in Public
The Quad » Green Street,
Runners Up:
The Alma Mater
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts » 500 S. Goodwin Ave., 217-333-6700
Looking for that perfect spot to have a quick romp out in the open? A quiet, secluded place with just you, your significant (or not-so-significant) other and the stars above? Look no farther — the Quad has been voted to be the best place to have public sex. “I can see how the Quad would be a good place to go ...
Best Bathroom
Illini Union » 1401 W. Green St., 217-333-4636
Runners Up:
Boltini Lounge » 211 N. Neil St., 217-378-8001
Carmon's Restaurant » 415 N. Neil St., 217-352-5880
As the most representative building of the University, the Illini Union obviously must maintain its image to reflect the best of the University. This includes the dark and dirty details such as the bathrooms and what’s inside. Junior Olivia Maldonado says she’s never seen these bathrooms dirty. The bathrooms are conveniently lit on both sides of the building. “Compared to other ...
Best 24-Hour Hangout
Merry Ann's Diner » 1510 S. Neil St., 217-352-5399
Runners Up:
IHOP » 308 E. Green St., 217-351-6972
Grainger Engineering Library Information Center » 1301 W. Springfield Ave., 217-333-3576
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, Merry Ann’s Diner, with two locations in Champaign, is open around the clock. This made Merry Ann’s the ideal choice for Champaign-Urbana’s best 24-hour hangout spot. With locations on Main Street in downtown Champaign and at the corner of Neil and Kirby, it offers breakfast, lunch and dinner anytime of day. “Even after ...
Best Bakery
Pekara Bakery & Bistro » 116 N. Neil St., 217-359-4500
Runners Up:
Mirabelle Fine Pastries » 124 W. Main, 217-384-6460
La Panaderia » 1405 S. Neil St., (217) 355-9322
You don’t have to stop by Pekara’s location on 116 N. Neil St. to enjoy the bakery’s fine products. In fact, if you’ve ever bought muffins or pastries at Bar Guiliani or Espresso Royale, there’s a good chance Pekara baked them. Pekara Bakery and Bistro, founded January 2005 by Serbian immigrant Ruzica Cuk, specializes in traditional European-style baking. “Nothing is ...
