After a rough night, fresh Mexican food can take care of the worst hangover or study blues. And there’s only one place to go for quality, fresh Mexican food on campus: Maize Mexican Grill.
Guacamole and Chips Photo by Kristen Yang
When former University of Illinois student, Armando Sandoval, arrived in Urbana-Champaign, he was disappointed to find none of the authentic Mexican food that he loved from home. He decided to pursue a career in food, after finding the prime spot for his restaurant at First and Green Streets in Champaign, and opened Maize Mexican Grill. Maize offers fish tacos that cannot be beat, along with other Mexican dishes students may not have tried before. The unique flavors of the pumpkin flower quesadilla or the chicken tlacoyo, topped with queso fresco (fresh cheese), are sure to give customers a new appreciation for real Mexican food.
Chicken Tlacoyo Photo by Kristen Yang
Taco de Pescado (Fish Tacos) Photo by Kristen Yang
Sandoval said Maize gets grocery deliveries twice per day and if customers stay to eat, they can hear Sandoval’s crew chopping cilantro and other ingredients in the background over lively music and conversation. Maize can get crowded pretty easily, but fast service keeps customers cycling in and out to ease the congestion. The quick preparation of food helps to keep Maize customers coming back because they know it won’t be long until they are eating Champaign’s best Mexican.
Salsa and Chips Photo by Kristen Yang
Location: 60 E. Green St. Champaign, IL (corner of First and Green Streets)
Hours of operation: Mon-Thurs: 11am to 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am to 11pm, Sun: 11am to 9pm