Champaign-Urbana-- my home for nine months, now. It may seem a little like it's in the middle of corn fields [well, it kind of is...] but the food on and off the UIUC campus is pretty amazing. Just thought I would share my picks for the best of the best!
Best Dorm Food: Field of Greens Stir Fry
I literally planned my Wednesday schedule for next semester around stir fry. That's how much I love it. Every Wednesday, LAR's Field of Greens offers make-your-own vegetarian stir fry. PAR offers stir fry with meat every day, but I prefer this. The guy that cooks your stir fry makes his own "Chef Illini" sauce, and it's always something to look forward to.
Best Coffee: Cafe Paradiso
I might be a little on the biased side for this one; my friend's family owns the joint. Espresso Royale has a monopoly on most of the campus, but it's more expensive than even Starbucks, so I don't really go there. I am trying not to get addicted to coffee so I don't drink many fancy beverages in general, but I find Paradiso to be much more charming and off-the-beaten path.