Nestled in Urbana’s hip downtown neighborhood, Silvercreek (above) has been a local favorite for everyday dining and special occasions for more than 30 years. Upon stepping inside, it’s not hard to see why. The interior is full of warm golden wood and red brick, with the exposed ceiling rafters giving it an airy feel, and the antique decor transports you to a different era. And if you’re lucky enough to attend a private event, you might be seated in the gorgeous greenhouse, so you can feel as though you’re dining under an open sky.

All of that’s before you even get to Silvercreek’s garden-fresh, creative food (above and below). Try the lobster mac and cheese for an indulgent dinner option, or the colorful rainbow beet salad with a sherry-citrus vinaigrette and toasted pistachios for a lighter choice. And make sure to save room for dessert, particularly the signature Chocolate Solution Cake, a dark chocolate cake piled with chocolate mousse, ganache, whipped cream and chocolate curls.

The drinks list at Silvercreek is equally thoughtful. For those abstaining from spirits, there’s a small list of creative zero-proof cocktails, including a nonalcoholic margarita that even has a salted rim. The regular cocktail list is similarly fun. Try the Spicy Agua Fresca, with tequila, elderflower, cucumber and jalapeño, for something fresh and new, or go for a classic like the Negroni or Painkiller.

The wine list crisscrosses the globe, making it easy to select the perfect bottle to accompany your meal. There’s a nice selection of both whites and reds from well-known regions such as Napa, Alsace and the Rhone Valley, but there are also enough surprises to keep things interesting. Try a South African chenin blanc to experience its unique terroir, or an Argentinian malbec for an exciting expression of a grape you thought you already knew.

AAA Inspector Notes:

“While the lunch menu lists a wide variety of sandwiches and the dinner menu presents a tempting variety of sophisticated entrées, the coconut shrimp salad is an option not to be missed. The beautiful dining room features a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams.”