occupying a small-ish basement location on Randolph St in downtown Champaign, Farren's has been my go-to place for salads for years and years. they make their own salad dressings (both the strawberry vinaigrette and ranch are delish) and use excellent greens and toppings. the everything-topped crackers that accompany the salads are light, and a real treat. and their prices have stayed the same for years now (unreal, no?), which translates into a good deal in 2008.
yes, they have good burgers and a mean veggie burger. yes, they have creative specials using super-high-quality ingredients at prices more reasonable than all those other downtown joints. yes, they were the original killer-beer-selection place before there was a Blind Pig. and yes, the manager Todd is fantastic and the service is fast and friendly (don't sit at the bar unless you're up for a chat). but mostly, just go to Farren's for the salads!!!