Pekara Bakery And Bistro — Restaurant in Champaign

I'm glad I found this place!

After moving to Urbana a few years ago, I was anxious to get out and discover a lively coffee shop where I could enjoy a Saturday morning and do some people-watching.

I must have been looking in the wrong places, because the cafes I visited were all either deserted, unwelcoming, or lacking in tasty breakfast food.

Then I found Pekara. Why did no one tell me about this wonderful spot!?

The location seems a little strange, but that adds to its charm. Every time I walk in the door I feel like I'm in some large cosmopolitan city brimming with culture.

There are always lots of customers, but still plenty of seating.

The avocado toast is fresh, beautifully prepared, and deceptively simple--relying on excellent toasted bread, perfectly ripe avocado, a sprinkling of crushed red pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Mmm.

I don't know where they find such fresh and perfect fruit, either. The raspberries here are something else.

The brewed coffee is delicious, bold, and always hot. What a great way to wake up on a cold winter morning!

I ended up reading the entirety of Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" over several long mornings here, relaxing near the window with my hands wrapped tightly around a warm ceramic mug. That will always be a special memory.

And the staff exude a warmth and kindness of their own. It's genuine and welcoming! They've always been friendly and make me feel right at home.

Pekara has become a great little adventure that I look forward to time and time again.

Thank you to the staff for such a...

We came to Champaign for a special alumni event last weekend, and found this fabulous bakery. It was hard to make a decision for lunch as so many items looked delicious. We got the Pekara Bistro lunch and spinach salad and the portions were extremely generous. It was so good we came back on our way out of town and had two sandwiches to go- the Cuban and the turkey melt. Again, both delicious. To top it off, I had left my jacket there and we left town. It took me a few days to figure out it was left there. I called, not expecting it to still be there, but it was! Laura, the Director of Operations got back to me right away (even though they were closed) and told me they had it. She graciously shipped it to me the next day. This kind of service and going the extra mile for customers is increasingly rare these days, and I wanted to encourage patronage of a restaurant that not only has delicious food, but a dedicated staff that provides exemplary...

Having lived next to Pekara Bakery for two years, I never thought to step inside because of its low-key exterior. However, when a local friend suggested meeting there, I decided to give it a try—and I’m so glad I did!

The atmosphere inside is cozy and welcoming, a stark contrast to its modest exterior. I was blown away by the quality of the food and drinks. The sandwich I had was absolutely delicious, with fresh ingredients and great flavors. The coffee was equally impressive—rich and flavorful, exactly what I needed. I was also pleasantly surprised by their excellent kombucha collection, which added a refreshing twist to my meal.

Pekara Bakery is truly a hidden gem in the area. I regret not discovering it sooner, but now that I have, it’s definitely going to be a regular spot for me. Highly recommend to anyone in the neighborhood or...