As the Halloween season descends upon Champaign-Urbana, the local community is abuzz with a palpable sense of excitement. Homes are adorned with spooky decorations, eateries have unveiled their autumnal menus, and costumed revelers eagerly await the arrival of the big night. While traditional candy is a staple, our intrepid writer set out to uncover the more unique and hauntingly delicious offerings that the region has to offer.

Indulge in the Macabre Delights of Champaign-Urbana's Spooky Eats and Drinks

Día de los Muertos Cookie: A Delightful Skeleton Treat

At San Miguel Panaderia, the Mexican bakery nestled in the Urbana plaza, a delightful Día de los Muertos cookie ($2.50) awaits. This sandwich cookie features two thick, buttery shortbread cookies sandwiching a layer of fluffy, subtly chocolate-flavored frosting. The smiling skeleton design, one of several unique skull-themed cookies in the case, adds a whimsical touch to this delectable treat. The bakery also showcases stunning cakes, including a vibrant calavera Jello cake and a rich tres leches, ensuring that spooky specials abound throughout the week. Beyond the Halloween offerings, San Miguel Panaderia is a year-round destination for a wide array of yummy sprinkle cookies, Mexican breads, pastries, doughnuts, and cakes.

Corpse Reviver #2: A Hauntingly Delicious Cocktail

At Punch! Bar & Lounge, the Corpse Reviver #2 ($14) is a cocktail that spooks more in name than in taste. Served in a dainty glass and garnished with a lemon twist, this concoction blends gin, lemon juice, Lillet blanc (an aperitif), Cointreau (orange liqueur), and absinthe (the most "scary" of the spirits). The bright lemon provides a deliciously tart flavor that complements the herbaceous notes of the absinthe and the aperitif, resulting in a well-balanced and delightful libation. While the name may evoke a spooky vibe, this cocktail is a regular feature on Punch! Bar's menu, offering a taste of the macabre all year round.

Biscoff Cheesecake Tart: A Spooky and Sweet Treat

Champaign's Tasty Tart has outdone itself with a special Halloween creation: the Biscoff Cheesecake Tart ($4.49). This tart features a crunchy crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a layer of caramel frosting, all topped with a hand-painted vanilla candy "eye" that adds a delightfully spooky touch. The Biscoff cookie on top provides a satisfying crunch, complementing the smooth and sweet flavors of the tart. The combination of the caramel, the Biscoff, and the creamy cheesecake filling creates a dessert that is both visually striking and deliciously indulgent.

Bone Marrow Fries: A Decadent and Haunting Delight

At The Space restaurant in downtown Champaign, the bone marrow fries appetizer ($15) is a true showstopper. The hand-cut fries are perfectly crispy, providing a delightful contrast to the gelatinous and umami-rich bone marrow. Diners can scoop the decadent marrow onto the fries, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The addition of pickled red onion and homemade chimichurri adds a tangy and garlicky punch, elevating the dish to new heights of deliciousness. The owners of The Space source the bones locally from Kilgus Farmstead, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients, while their commitment to in-house preparation, from hand-cutting the fries to pickling the onions, showcases their dedication to quality.