Food

The Research Park loves food! Between a sit-down restaurant, food trucks, and a grab-and-go cafe, there are plenty of options for food for purchase in the Research Park neighborhood. 

Food Trucks

In the summer, food trucks are in the parking lot on the corner of First Street and Hazelwood Drive during lunchtime. Times and options vary, but check this page and Research Park social media for the most up-to-date schedules:

  • Monday: La Paloma, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday: Burrito King, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday: La Paloma, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Thursday: Mama Duke’s, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
  • Friday: Stango, 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

*updated as of 7/22/2024, 8:45 a.m.

If you are a food truck vendor who would like to be scheduled at Research Park, contact Sabrina Chang at [email protected]

Foundation Building

The University of Illinois Philanthropy Center, a northeast neighbor of the Research Park, is home to the UI Foundation and includes a Grab & Go Market open to Research Park employees. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and features breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages from Betsy’s Bistro. Items are available for purchase by credit or debit card only and purchased items can be enjoyed in the adjacent cafe space in the lobby. 

Houlihan’s

If you’re looking for sit-down eats at the Research Park, the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center houses Research Park’s premier restaurant, Houlihan’s. Stop by for a full meal, drinks after work, or Patio Play, the restauraunt’s summer live music series. Houlihan’s features cuisine that will awaken your taste buds with a sizzling infusion of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Call 217-819-5005 for reservations.