Manolo's Pizza & Empanadas

Their spotted goat is honestly one of the best slices of pizza I’ve ever had. Fast, no-nonsense service and vibe. Only complaint is that the size of the place stresses me out, which sometimes gets in the way of me wanting to go.

Vibes are great at this place! Feels like a shop in New York City. I had a Modena chicken slice and it was crispy, saucy and flavorful. One of the best pizza places on campus, definitely give it a try!

I’ve had a lot of NY style pizza and this was one of the best ever!! Perfect blend of cheese, crust, sauce and seasoning! The empanadas were pretty good too. Update - still great years later!!

Only reason I give 4 stars for atmosphere is bc it’s a small shop. BUT the flavors! OMG!!

Great pizza! Whole pizza isn’t as cheesy as the slices but still good.

You wouldn't think pizza and empanadas go together, but they really work. The pizza is chewy, salty, and satisfying, with solid vegetarian options. The empanadas are well-filled, with thin, flaky dough. Best pizza in C-U.

We enjoyed every slice, especially Mushroom and Hawaiian. Best pizza in CU!!😁👍❤️

Most of the empanadas were DELICIOUS. I loved the potato and cheese one the best and found the mushroom one to be the most interesting. Unfortunately both the chicken and beef one I tired were dry and lacking some flavor. My kid loved the pizza. I found the sauce to be too sweet but I'm not a huge pizza sauce person anyway. There is only a few stools inside and a few chairs outside so likely better to plan to take out.

I was introduced to Manolo's Pizza & Empanadas by yelp, which had it listed #2 as a pizza recommendation out of other restaurants near my location at the time. Manolo's won me over once I scrolled the menu and took a liking to some of its selection of empanadas. I ended up ordering 3 Empanadas: Potato cheddar, Curried sweet potato, and Spinach mushroom manicotti along with their dessert empanada, the Chocolate brownie. I always like ordering online via yelp because it is convenient! And most of the time my orders are completed upon my arrival or near complete. After walking in and up to the counter, I confirmed my order and that I was picking up via Grubhub. The employee informed me that my order had just come through and it would be fifteen minutes until it was completed. Waiting gave me the opportunity to further get a feel of Manolo's. An ideal spot for pizza within Campustown of Urbana, Manolo's did not appear bad as far as cleanliness, and its atmosphere gave off the vibe of your typical pizza takeout spot in my opinion. There were tables and seating available whether it be inside of the dining area, or outside of the storefront which there were a number of. I was well on my way after waiting no more than fifteen minutes as stated by the employee. The empanadas were beautifully presented within a foam container. I started off with the Potato cheddar empanada and it certainly lived up to its taste indeed! The Curried sweet potato empanada appeared bigger than the other two empanadas and had a distinguishing smell! It had a slight kick in its taste that made me gasp, as the sweet potato taste made my mouth salivate for another bite, tehehe. I have to say that the Spinach mushroom manicotti empanada was my favorite of the three. I loved the taste of the sauteed spinach mixed with ricotta cheese. If I revisited Manolo's, the Spinach mushroom manicotti empanada would be one that I would surely order again. And now the Chocolate brownie! Never thought I would see an empanada in the form of a brownie! It was slightly coated in powder with a brownie within, and oh my was it delightful in taste. Being that I had a good experience, I would surely re-visit Manolo's Pizza & Empanadas again when visiting Champaign-Urbana. And as yelp recommended Manolo's to me, I share my endorsement of it as well with you all. ~ Good vibes coming your way ~ Thomas G

Best Pizza in CU hands down. I would go into campus town and struggle to find parking over and over again just for Manolo's! I am not huge on empanadas, but their dessert empanadas (raspberry cheesecake) were fantastic as well.

Came back here as it was nostalgic to get pizza by the slice. I used to go here when I was a student. Champaign has a lot of great pizza places and Manolos is a top tier spot for pizza by the slice.

Large beef w/ onion pizza $24 Perfect crust. Ordered online and was ready in 15min. Tight lobby with some seating available outside.

Burnt and hard pizza we ordered two pizzas and salad for pickup. The sausage pepper, the apple butter and a salad. When we opened them at home we were surprised to see the apple butter pizza was burnt black! We tried it anyway and it was dry. Ordered from here based on Yelp reviews. Sent them an email but it bounced back so I'm posting here. They should never have sent this out the door and could easily have made a new pizza.

The Empanadas were incredible!! We tried 8 different ones in our group and every one was absolutely delicious!!

We ordered two XL pizzas, and both were delicious. This restaurant offers authentic NY-style pizza in Champaign, Illinois.

Our favorite New York style pizza in the Champaign Urbana area. We always stop when in town. Staff is always friendly and the pizza slays. Nom!

Not food that is going to blow you off your feet, but a reliable place for solid empanadas and pizza by the slice. Always enjoy it whenever I'm in the area.

Speaking as a lifelong New Yorker -- the fresh slices from Manolo are as good as pizza gets in the entire state of Illinois.

Fast service, tasty food, and good prices. In a town with so much to choose from, I know I'll be back to this one. I happened to walk by this place and decided to give it a try. The empanadas were delicious. I had never heard of a brownie empanada, but it was amazingly warm and gooey in the best way. There's not much room to eat inside, but definitely swing through and grab some to go.

Coming from Chicago, one aspect I've been missing from the big city is the amazing pizza, and when I need to fill that craving the first place we think of is here. Not only is the quality amazing, but the options are unique. The Apple Butter Bacon was an eye opening experience for me actually, "Pistachios, blue cheese, and honey on a pizza!? Who knew?" Service here is always consistent and professional, and they give a, "you got the munchies, but you're feeling classy", vibe. Did I mention they have empanadas? A well rounded college town pizza place.

Nice pizza, but one thing is the restaurant is south is very small. You need to take it out to somewhere else or you will have to sit in the bar or sit outdoors.

Great food, carry out, a staple in the area, love everything. Always ready we have to stop when in town.

Ordered a pizza on a whim while staying at an area hotel and WOW!!! Can not recommend enough!!! Delicious and fast delivery!

Lots of unique & different pizzas are excellent. They have pizza by the slice for lunch which is cool for eating on the run and NOT fast food. Take out only though.

I like it. Let me count the ways. 1. No wait - they're all ready under the heat lamp - and still taste fresh. 2.Flaky dough (hard to find in Empanadas) 3.A ton of choices (see pics) I prefer the manicotti cuase you can taste the flaky dough with the cheese and sausage. BBQ all you taste is the BBQ. San Telmo Beef and chicken is fine. Raspberry cheese cake is Ok brownie not so much. It's too floury as if not fully cooked even though it is. But I'm nitpicking I like this place overall.

Stopped here during a road trip in the hopes of scoring some good New York style pizza, which based on the previous reviews seemed like a good possibility. Nope. I ordered a 14" plain cheese pizza which unfortunately was distinctly mediocre, flavorless, and forgettable. No complexity of flavor at all. Some crisp, but a little too thick and doughy to qualify as New York style. 5.1/10.

The pizza here is actually pretty good - the crust has a nice crunch and it's always heated up nicely. Lots of options along with small fresh salads and empanadas. Seating outside for those warmer nights where you don't feel like going to a stuffy restaurant and just want to grab a slice. By later in the evening they sometimes have run out of certain types of pizza, but whatever they have left still tastes great. Whenever I'm back in town I always make a stop here!

This pizza by the slice restaurant is one of a kind international sensation. They have several vegetarian options to choose from and a gluten free Parmesan and Cauliflower crust. Everything is affordable and delicious. Come for a slice of a specialty sourdough pizza made and served by a salt of the earth crew. While you wait for your slice, try one of their mouth-watering empanadas. You won't regret it!

Finally a new place for pizza hands down best I have had in a while. Quick,hot,plenty of toppings .

Great walk up pizza by the slice at this tucked in pizza place. My father in law said it was the best pizza crust he's ever had. Light and crisp and the pizza slices are huge! Flavor is good we all had different types and liked them all. I also got an Apple empanada which had a great crust and home style filling . Right outside is a few small tables and we ate around the corner on some benches. No dinning room inside. We will definitely go back.

We just adore this place. Sure, it is small, no real place to sit, but it is so much fun. The spirit and vibe inside Manolo's has grit and spunk, and the food is just so good. Their slices always hit the spot, no matter the season. I recommend the Spotted Goat or Barbecue Meats - or even just your basic slice of pepperoni! The empanadas, while pricey, are just so good - I recommend ordering a dipping sauce on the side - and are just that "something different" one needs when it comes to grab-and-go. Fun fact, they also have some of THE BEST salads on all of campus! Manolo's is a hidden gem and for those who know, know. It is just so good. Next time you are on the east side of campus, head on over to Manolo's, go in, get in line, order a slice and an empanada, and enjoy your very own little bit of yum! You won't regret it. It is always a win for me, whether it is a quick lunch run, a family dinner, or catering for a student engagement event! 10/10

Very good pizza, although a little chewy. And they don't offer anchovies. In my opinion all pizza places should offer anchovies. Other than that I would say it is the best pizza in Urbana-Champaign. I'll order again.

Having worked across the street from Manolo's for a year, I made a couple of stops in here. The Spotted Goat pizza is where it's at. Empanadas were good too; my favorites being the Spinach Mushroom Manicotti. Fair prices, fast service, tasty eats. Recommend.

Really good pizza with unique topping options. The crust is handmade with great flavor and texture. Their empanadas are really tasty too! The delivery was on time and friendly.

Good pizza in Champaign. Probably second best behind Papa Dels. Empanadas we're good too, I've had better but unique for Champaign. Wouldn't need to go back but a great option in the area

Good pizza! Got a slice of the veggie and the reg cheese. It's not really a sit in place. It's more for takeout so keep that in mind.

I can't speak for their empanadas but their pizza is OMFGCANIHAVEANOTHERSLICE good. I love Brooklyn style pizza and personally, I don't need a whole lot of toppings. I'm not picky. A quality slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza that isn't weighed down by toppings that constantly are falling onto your lap is what pleases me. They have their daily specials and everyday favorites like cheese, sausage and pepperoni but if you're feeling adventurous then review their menu- they have a variety that pleases everyone. I suggest calling ahead if you're looking to order more than a few slices or be prepared to wait in line. This place is delicious! It's too bad they don't deliver :(

WOW!! I am from Texas and we were passing through Champagne and saw this pizza spot and thought we'd give it a try. DELICIOUS! I don't eat much pizza but they hit it out of the park! The empanadas were freaking amazing! Also very friendly staff.

Gluten-free crust available, but it's a generic 10-inch like everywhere else, and there are none pre-made for folks who would want to grab a slice. Plenty of vegetarian options. The Spotted Goat is popular for good reason... It's absolutely fabulous! The plain cheese is good too - nothing plain about the way it tastes after a show at the Canopy Club. Remember, you can get a discount on your pizza within 7 days of a show if you keep your ticket! Don't bother with the empanadas. They're just ok: the flavors are muddled, the insides are squishy-mash, and the baked dough is too dry in my opinion. If I'm going to risk intestinal distress over dairy and non-gluten-free pizza, this is the pizza joint I will choose every time. The atmosphere is pretty basic and even annoyingly crowded at times, but I'm not here for the ambiance, I'm here for kick-ass slices and pies. Winning!

Pizza is fresh and delicious. Spotted goat cheese pizza is our favorite. Love the slices to pick from. And the empanadas are good. Small and local.

Delicious! Great veggie options. The Spotted Goat pizza is fantastic. Bonus: when you order takeout there is no plastic or Styrofoam!

Excellent pizza and the pick 3, 9 or 12 empanadas are super fun if you are in the market to experiment with flavors. We got it all to go and ate it in a nearby park as a family. Wonderful fast, hot and tasty food.

I stopped into Manolo's for a quick bite to eat between classes on a Tuesday afternoon. I've had their pizza and empanadas and was in a sandwich kind of a mood, so I opted to try that. I ordered the Manolo's Italian sandwich, which was salami with provolone, mixed greens, tomato and pesto mayo. The sandwich wasn't exactly a sub sandwich, but rather more rectangular. The bread on it was high quality, soft on the outside but crispy towards the center, it added a very nice crunch to the sandwich. All the other ingredients blended together extremely well. I'm a total sucker for anything with pesto, tomato and cheese, and this sandwich totally nailed it. I was really surprised that Manolo's makes this tasty and this high quality of a sandwich. It does come at a price though, my Italian was about $6.50 after tax. Regardless, the sandwich was very tasty and my only minor gripe with it would be to add a little more meat, but all in all it was an unexpectedly good lunch and I'll have to come back to try their other sandwiches.

Best New York style pizza around. My kids are picky about their pizza but they loved it!

Delicious and creative pizza! Haven't tried all of their empanadas but the ones I've had are really good. It's also super fast which is great.

Probably the best crust in town plus wide variety of tasty sauces and cheeses. Great slices and empanadas for lunch or entire pies for the family. Favorite pizzas probably are spotted goat and barbecue meats.

Closest thing to NY pizza in the area. Always tasty. I am a diehard carnivore but I HIGHLY recommend the Spotted Goat pizza, it is absolutely incredible! Great pizza, great empanadas, just all good food.

I have been out of the city for nearly a decade, and I still remember the pizza and empanadas from this place! As good as it gets--NY, not Chicago style, but amazing nonetheless!

We tried the spot of goat pizza. Sooo good. Thin crust had a good balance of chewy and crunchy. The garlic Alfredo sauce made the pizza, creamy and not too much. Sometimes pizza joints add way too much. And they got out quick!

My favorite hole-in-the-wall place on campus. I don't care much for empanadas (which are delicious, btw), but their pizza.... man ! it has some long lost ingredient called flavor. The crust is delicious (not sure, but I'd say it's sourdough or throughly fermented), and the toppings are the best. You never have to wait - just pick your pizzas, have them heated, and head out to enjoy the best slice in town. Don't miss on that place - it's a must for every resident of the C-U area.

Really good pizza!! Can't wait to try the empanadas Best pizza in the area!! I love the one with pistachios. Yum!!

Depending on what time you get there (or whether you get it delivered), the empanadas can sometimes be dry or soggy. The fillings are usually really good, and creative, but the shell is usually kind of disappointing. I tried the pizza once, and wasn't impressed. It was just kind of thin and ominous. It sat under a heat lamp with the empanadas. A teensy bit pricey, as well.

This is the spot if you're looking for a delicious late night nosh or quick lunch. They sell unique & tasty pizzas whole, frozen & by the slice. My favorites are the Spotted Goat (goat cheese, that is) & Balsamic-drizzled vegetarian. Hubby loves the sausage pizza, but there are always a bunch to choose from. Drink selection is modest. Seating is minimal. Grab a table outside if the weather's nice. It's a great spot tor people watching on campus.

favorite pizza place in town. variations of options is great, pizza is always hot and tastes delicious. the empanadas are A++. I would recommend anyone that likes thing crust pizza to go to Manolo's.

Manolo's is my favorite pizza place on campus at Illinois. The pizza is really good and my first time having Empanadas was at Manolo's and they are really good also. One of the best things about Manolo's is how late they stay open, it is really the best place for a snack past midnight, and I can never resist the amazing smell that comes from Manolo's when I walk by. The restaurant itself is more of a takeout place, so don't come here expecting to sit down because it is very small. My service here has always been very good and delivery is usually pretty fast no matter what time it is. Manolo's overall has really good food and pretty food service. I would recommend it to anyone that comes to Illinois.

Really good, floppy pizza.. Massive slices, freshly heated, and lots of specialty varieties with tons of imaginative toppings (goat cheese is my hero!) The bottom is crispy without being crunchy, and everything tastes great. I tried both the vegetarian pizza and the Modena veggie (the one with mushrooms and goat cheese)... The Modena was definitely the standout, but again, I would trust goat cheese with my firstborn. And all of my offspring after that. I also tried one of their empanadas, which I can't really review because I wanted the vegetarian version of their Argentinian spiced one, but I may have accidentally had a meaty one. My mom ordered their spinach and ricotta empanada, but when she bit into hers, it looked like it had some kind of soy meat or real meat. Hard to tell, and I don't want to think about it too much! All I know is they definitely gave us one meaty empanada when we ordered two vegetarian ones-- major problem!! They also had a lot of problems charging our credit card. They tried three times, and we got all these fraud alerts afterward. BUT they were running a deal where you got a free medium cheese pizza when you spent $10... And they gave us two! (We did spend over $40). My brother was really excited to share this place with us, and he doesn't get excited about too much food-wise, so that of course made the whole experience a full star better!

This place is clutch after a night out at Canopy or an event at Krannert. Surprisingly solid slices and empanadas. I guess you'd call the pizza New York style and the empanadas are very flaky maybe different than (or the same as) how your tia makes them. I like my dough a little more substantial, but these are pretty good still. The empanada fillings/pizza toppings are diverse and creative. "San Telmo" anything is good. Haven't had salads or sandwiches, but there's not really a reason to with bread company a block away and green street nearby. Stick with what's in a place's name you know? So get a slice or two and an empanada or three. They're open late which is great for bar time munchies. Just a heads up, it's basically standing room/to-go only and can get crowded. Also, it can get a little rowdy depending on what kind of show was at Canopy.