Welcome to Cheese & Crackers
At Cheese & Crackers, located in Champaign, IL, the passion for quality shines through every delectable dish. This gourmet deli specializes in fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and custom-made sandwiches that redefine casual dining. Guests rave about the exceptional flavor combinations, like the Thanksgiving sandwich featuring freshly sliced turkey and homemade cranberry sauce, all served on perfectly toasted sourdough. The atmosphere invites exploration, with a cozy space brimming with unique ingredients and drinks, including an impressive variety of root beers. With a dedicated and friendly staff, Cheese & Crackers promises not just a meal, but a memorable culinary experience.
- 1715 W Kirby Ave, Champaign, IL 61821 Hotline: (217) 615-8531
Welcome to Cheese & Crackers, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Champaign, Illinois, where culinary passion meets gourmet convenience. Located at 1715 W Kirby Ave, this delightful establishment redefines the deli experience by seamlessly blending an extensive seafood market with a specialty grocery store.
As you step through the door, the inviting aroma captivates your senses, promising a culinary adventure. Cheese & Crackers specializes in an impressive selection of gourmet offerings, including sushi-grade seafood, handcrafted pasta from Italy, an array of fancy cheeses, premium meats, and exquisite caviar. For those with a penchant for unique beverages, their soda selection is unmatched, featuring delights like Dang Butterscotch Rootbeer and Blenheim Hot Ginger Beer for just $1.99 each. The store's charm is enhanced by its eclectic assortment of Joe's Chips, from classic varieties to inventive sweet potato and cheddar bacon options.
What sets Cheese & Crackers apart is not only the quality of their ingredients but also their commitment to customer satisfaction. Each sandwich is crafted with care, evidenced by glowing customer reviews. For instance, Robin W. raved about the Thanksgiving Everyday sandwich, featuring freshly sliced turkey and creamy goat cheese paired with homemade cranberry sauce on perfectly toasted sourdough—a flavor combination that left her wanting more. Others have echoed similar sentiments, praising the extensive sandwich menu that boasts classics like the Reuben and Italian options, all made with the freshest ingredients.
The staff at Cheese & Crackers contribute significantly to the warm atmosphere. Customers consistently commend their friendliness and willingness to customize orders, transforming the average deli into a personalized culinary experience. As one visitor remarked, every employee appears to genuinely enjoy their work, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Moreover, the space may be small, but it is filled with culinary treasures waiting to be discovered, from artisanal cheeses to fresh fish delicacies. The ambiance invites you to explore and discover unique offerings tucked within its walls. Whether you are picking up a sandwich to go or browsing for gourmet gifts, Cheese & Crackers ensures quality and satisfaction at every level.
- Location: 1715 W Kirby Ave, Champaign, IL 61821
- Phone: (217) 615-8531
- Highlights:
- Customizable gourmet sandwiches
- Fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses
- Unique beverage selection, including specialty root beers
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Cheese & Crackers is a must-visit destination for anyone who values quality and flavor. Each visit promises not just a meal, but a memorable experience that combines the best of gourmet food culture with a welcoming community spirit. Dive into this culinary oasis, and discover for yourself why so many patrons deem it the best deli in Champaign!

I have officially had the best sandwich in my life, thanks to this place. I'm visiting a friend, and found Cheese and Crackers on Yelp. I'm not a sandwich person, but my 16 year old is, and I wanted something I could eat to-go. You can smell the scent of yummy as you walked into the door. It appears to be a gourmet grocery store, specializing in sushi grade seafood, pasta from Italy, fancy cheeses, meats, caviar, and sodas from around the country. They had diet Cheerwine, even. I've never seen so many different root beers in one place- there was even a pumpkin root beer! There wasn't a BLT on the menu, but they custom made one for my son, and he added pesto and provolone. He declared it the best BLT ever, and knocked his favorite sandwich place back home to second place. I had the Thanksgiving everyday. A $16 buck sandwich, I was skeptical it wasn't going to live up to its price point. However, it was worth every cent. It was turkey, goat cheese, and homemade cranberry sauce on sourdough, and grilled panini style on a press. The turkey was sliced fresh- everything was made fresh. The taste was absolutely amazing. I live in California, but hate most sourdough bread, because that tang tastes spoiled. You don't have that weird taste with Cheese and Crackers sourdough bread- it's just delicious toasted buttered bread. It was the right texture and made it crunch. The crew appeared very hardworking and enjoyed their jobs. We were greeted kindly, and felt welcome. I use a walker, and was able to navigate the store, but note the space is kinda small. Since I don't live here, I'm going to do my best to recreate my sandwich at home. Cheese and Crackers- thanks for teaching me about a delicious flavor combination, and for providing an enjoyable epicurean experience.

I called in an order from Massachusetts for a gift basket for my sister-in-law in Champagne. The store does not deliver, but my nephew picked up the beautiful gift basket. Cheese and Crackers did a spectacular job, with personalized service. Thank you!

Delicious sandwiches, it's a no fail! Had the Italian and Reuben last time which are always good.

I hate telling people about this place because it makes it harder to get in and get a sandwich I planned on eating my way through the menu but stopped at my (now) fave sandwich. I recommend calling in if you can, so it's ready when you get there. They take their time to make an amazing sandwich. The title "Sandwich Artist" belongs here, not Subway (I say this as a former Subway employee). And then there's the seafood. FRESH SEAFOOD. The scallops melt in your mouth (it's SO good) and we've enjoyed the dips we've purchased as well as the smoked fish. Store is tightly packed and you can find some great gems in there.

Absolutely amazing quality! I normally get the blue pig and my wife gets the mushroom and Gruyère. The first time I went I asked if I can get it with goat cheese because I didn't live blue cheese. They swapped it out. I remember the first time I ate it, I took a double take and then called my best friend (who lives in Vegas) that we need to go here together. My favorite place in town hands down!

First time visiting Cheese and Crackers and liked it a lot. The guy waiting at the counter was super friendly and efficient. (even though I think he was sort of new...) Extensive sandwich menu. I ordered the Roc's NY which is corned beef or pastrami, provolone cheese, dijon, or yellow mustard on a toasted baguette. I got the corned beef with yellow mustard. Really good sandwich. Huge. Tiny place but so many cool things to browse. Look forward to a return visit.

Such a cute little shop! They have a great selection of fresh fish and cheese, and the service is always fantastic. Staff is helpful and fast, and they also serve tasty hot sandwiches. Highly recommend

Our family LOVES this place. We have been several times. They have an assortment of fun novelty grocery store items. But the cheese case and the sandwiches are my particular favorite. I love that they always have samples of different types of cheese. My favorites are the mimollette and manchego. And the sandwiches are just amazing quality. My husband's favorite is the blue pig. He always comments on how the prosciutto is so fresh. Usually I get the sweet and savory, Which is a great ham and cheese sandwich. The cheese they use is so creamy. But recently they did a limited time, specialty sandwich called the "OnYum" end it was to die for! I absolutely hope it becomes a permanent menu item. I would buy it every time. It was almost like a French onion soup in sandwich form. PLEASE PLEASE keep it forever It's also worth mentioning that the employees are always super friendly, and very helpful. We have frequently had good experiences chatting with them while we wait for our sandwiches to be prepared. They definitely have a great team. There will also be no photos with this review because I don't think I ever wait long enough to take a photo. Maybe the next time we go!

Best sandwiches in champaign and maybe the state. Tight space packed with imported goods, order ahead and pickup.