Small town eatery - Philo Tavern
j
Wednesday special is BBQ beef. The food is simple, shredded
BBQ beef on bread, sauce on the side and cole slaw made with
vinegarette, not sweet mayonnaise. We had a chance to
talk to Pedro, the owner. The BBQ is first slow cooked for
8 hours at 260 with the meat tightly wrapped to ensure moistness.
The spices and herbs used in this process makes this dish special.
Nothing fancy, simple plain food but very well done. We've
been to this place for several lunch specials and loved it
each time. Small town place, lots of older regulars, quiet
friendly atmosphere.
Any other out-of-the way gems around CU? How's the Brown
Bag in Monticello? Is the Roadhouse still around? Anything
in Sidney, St. Joe, Homer or Mahomet?
BTW. Philo is 8 miles south of Urbana, just off of 130.
J
Skyhooks
The Esquire (at N. Walnut & E/W University) in downtown Champaign. I
mean, perhaps Pedro is the manager (not owner or part owner) of the
Philo Tavern? But then, I'm not privy to the intricate details of
either (separate or combined) business.
In either case I agree(!), the food is (usually) always great at either
establishment considering that its genre: general bar/grill fare! :)
As always, YMMV! :)
Skyhooks
hmardis at uiuc dot edu
"reply to" address antispammed -- remove the xxx.
j
partitioned. However, the place is large and airy with high
ceilings, and we didn't notice people smoking three tables away.
This is unlike other places that have definite non-smoking
section which are filled with smoke (Pickles comes to mind).
The place has seating for around 35-45 people.
J
Jean P Nance wrote:
> A question about the Philo Tavern. Since it is a "tavern" does that
> mean that there is not a no-smoking section, or if there is it is just a
> few corner tables?
> St.Joe has a local eatery, on Lincoln opposite the "St.Joseph
> Apothercary". Good standard U.S. food. It is big enough and well
> ventilated enough so very little smoke drifts into the no-smoking area.
> Friendly atmosphere, good specials.
> What would anybody do in St. Joe? It has a lot of antique stores,
> "Winter Wheat" is very large and very very full of stuff.There is an
> antique mall nearbye, also packed with things. This is just south of the
> interstate. Then there are a few interesting small places in town. You
> could even combine a trip to Salt Fork Forest Preserve and St.Joe, a nice
> drive from C/U and a day or half days entertainment.
Jean P Nance
Prairienet Super-User
> A question about the Philo Tavern. Since it is a "tavern" does that
> mean that there is not a no-smoking section, or if there is it is just a
> few corner tables?
Non-smoking is pretty satisfactorily 'non'. I have no complaints and I'm
very sensitive to smoke.
I wouldn't chime in on the general accolades on any of their food besides
their barbecue, though. I used to go there quite a bit just because it's
convenient but I've stopped going. Everything besides the barbecue is
pretty mediocre, often greasy and undercooked and served lukewarm.
> St.Joe has a local eatery, on Lincoln opposite the "St.Joseph
> Apothercary". Good standard U.S. food. It is big enough and well
> ventilated enough so very little smoke drifts into the no-smoking area.
> Friendly atmosphere, good specials.
The Golden Mine. Decorated in a 'gold' theme in the very best 70s RV
style complete with gold sparkles in the wallpaper.
I've never had a bad meal there (their Reuben is particularly good) but
some friends have been reporting less-than-stellar food and service
recently.
> What would anybody do in St. Joe? It has a lot of antique stores,
> "Winter Wheat" is very large and very very full of stuff.There is an
> antique mall nearbye, also packed with things.
I also highly recommend the little store across and down the street from
the Golden Mine. Some awesome furniture.
-- Karen