The Literary – American
Stepping into The Literary feels like opening a well-loved novel, where the hum of morning conversation mingles with the comforting aroma of griddled brioche and freshly brewed coffee. The kitchen reimagines classic morning fare through a creative lens, serving up golden miso butterscotch French toast and savory, overstuffed burritos that turn a simple breakfast into a storied occasion. Whether you are tucked into a quiet corner with a book or sharing a towering brunch burger among friends, the space offers a thoughtful sanctuary where clever flavors and a relaxed, intellectual energy meet.
North Neil Street https://www.literarybookbar.comRating: 3/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at The Literary
Dairy-Free at The Literary
The Literary in Champaign has 15 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Kettle Chips, One egg and Hashbrowns. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at The Literary
The Literary in Champaign has 7 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including One egg, Fruit Cup and Veggie Sausage. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at The Literary
The Literary in Champaign has 28 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Kid's French Toast, Kettle Chips and Signature Salmon Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at The Literary
The Literary in Champaign has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Dill Dip Side and Bacon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at The Literary
The Literary in Champaign has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Dill Dip Side and Bacon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at The Literary
The Literary in Champaign has 5 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fruit Cup, Simple Salad and Cup of Chili. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at The Literary
The Literary in Champaign has 2 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Dill Dip Side and Bacon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at The Literary
The Literary in Champaign has 11 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Kettle Chips, Hashbrowns and Fruit Cup. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at The Literary
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Jane Sandwich | 187.7 g | 60.8 g |
| Fireside Chili | 106.1 g | 45.8 g |
| Signature Salmon Salad | 45.7 g | 43.3 g |
| Brunch Burger | 130.7 g | 39.6 g |
| Tofu Scramble | 79.2 g | 37.4 g |
| B.L.a.T. | 56.3 g | 34.6 g |
| Harvest Grain Bowl | 137 g | 33.9 g |
| The Other Breakfast Sandwich | 75.2 g | 32 g |
| Kid's Breakfast | 50.6 g | 30.2 g |
| Dill Dip & Kettle Chips | 41.6 g | 23.5 g |
| Toast & Jam | 0.3 g | 22.9 g |
| Regular Breakfast | 95.8 g | 20.5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its approachable lunch offerings, guests appreciate the casual atmosphere and straightforward dining experience. Reviewers highlight the consistent service and practical setting, noting it as a reliable choice for those seeking a relaxed and unpretentious midday meal.
Menu
Brunch
Served 9am-3pm
- Regular Breakfast - $13.5: Two eggs, two slices of bacon, hash browns, sourdough toast, and whipped butter Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Not-So-NYC Breakfast Sandwich - $15.3: Bacon, egg, & cheese on a Good Judy's plain bagel, kimchi aioli, arugula Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Breakfast Club Burrito - $16.9: Tortilla, scrambled eggs, bacon, refried beans, avocado, arugula, jalapeño, pico de gallo, mexican cheese blend, salsa, cilantro crema Available at: breakfast, brunch
- The Other Breakfast Sandwich - $14.2: Veggie sausage, avocado, seasoned scrambled tofu, vegan mozzarella, Good Judy's plain bagel, cilantro-jalapeño crema, pickled onions, arugula, hashbrowns Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Tofu Scramble - $12.5: Seasoned tofu, arugula, whole grain sourdough toast, hash browns, pico de gallo Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Brunch Burger - $16.9: House-made tomato bacon jam, gouda cheese, grass-fed beef, egg, red onion, arugula, hash browns Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Miso Butterscotch French Toast - $16: Classic french toast, house-made miso butterscotch sauce, whipped cream, caramelized pecans, blueberries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Joyce Carol Oats - $12: Chilled overnight oats and chia, autumnal roasted apples, house-made streusel, slivered almonds, cinnamon Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Lit Hash - $15.5: Hashbrowns, crumbled bacon, grilled red onion, bell peppers, roma tomatoes, eggs, avocado mash, house-made chipotle crema Available at: breakfast, brunch
Lunch
Served 9am-3pm
- Literal Burger - $13: Grass-fed beef, burger sauce, caramelized onions, cheese, toasted brioche bun, kettle chips Available at: dinner, lunch
- B.L.a.T. - $14.75: Bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato, sourdough, mayo, kettle chips Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Signature Salmon Salad - $16: Seared salmon cakes, lemon-dressed arugula, radish, brown rice, beluga lentils, wheat berries, dill dip Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Creamy Tomato Bisque - $13: Served with a simple salad and a side of toast Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fireside Chili - $13: Kidney beans, chickpeas, celery, mixed veggies, spices, Fritos, simple salad, toast Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Cheese Flight - $16.9: Creamy tomato bisque with three halves: olive tapenade/gouda/gorgonzola, pear/onion/cranberry/brie, and tomato jam/gouda Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Once Upon a Poutine - $15.5: Seasoned french fries, vegan peppered gravy, cheese curds Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cranberry Jane Sandwich - $13: Chicken salad, spiced cranberries, celery, sage, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, seasoned aioli, whole grain sourdough, chips Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Harvest Grain Bowl - $13: Kale, quinoa, chermoula, roasted butternut squash, spiced cranberries, sauteed mushrooms, pickled onions, slivered almonds Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Sweet Treats
- Chai Snickerdoodle Cookie + Gelato - $9: Chai-spiced snickerdoodle cookie, salted caramel gelato, house-made vanilla sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Single Chai Snickerdoodle Cookie - $3 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Tiramisu - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Hot Chocolate Dip - $9: Served with Biscoff Cookies and strawberries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Ginger-Bread Pudding - $9: Fresh ginger, winter spices, molasses, white chocolate chips, spiced cranberries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Sides and Add-ons
- Kimchi Dip & Kettle Chips - $8 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dill Dip & Kettle Chips - $8.5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Good Judy's Plain Bagel + Cream Cheese - $5.25 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Toast & Jam - $3.85 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Hashbrowns - $3.2 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline Available at: breakfast, brunch
- One egg - $1.5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Bacon - $2.25 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Veggie Sausage - $4.5 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Kettle Chips - $3.25 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fries - $4 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Simple Salad - $4 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dill Dip Side - $4.5 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Kimchi Dip Side - $4.4 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Fruit Cup - $4.75 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Peppered Vegan Gravy - $4.5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Cup of Bisque - $4.5: Cup of house-made creamy vegan tomato bisque Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cup of Chili - $4.5 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
Kids
Served 9am-3pm
- PB & J - $5.5: With kettle chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Renal Available at: lunch
- Grilled Cheese - $6: American cheese on sourdough with kettle chips Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kid's Breakfast - $6.99: Scrambled egg, toast, bacon, and hashbrowns Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Kid's French Toast - $7.99: Two slices french toast with maple syrup and butter Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch
Frequently Asked Questions about The Literary
- Is The Literary dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. The Literary has 15 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Kettle Chips, One egg and Hashbrowns.
- What can I eat at The Literary on a dairy-free diet?
- Kettle Chips, One egg and Hashbrowns carry the dairy-free tag, out of 15 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does The Literary have vegan options?
- Yes. 11 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Kettle Chips and Hashbrowns.
- Is The Literary gluten-free?
- 7 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at The Literary?
- Cranberry Jane Sandwich, at roughly 60.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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