29 Best Bars in Champaign

“Love playing at Huber’s! Where else can you see great, local live music in such cool climes???“

“Smith Burger definitely has the best burgers in town, don't downplay the hot dogs though either. The chili cheese ripper is super good. Then by adding the beer selection of collective pour to this place it is hard to beat. Because it is on the edge of downtown one might say that the location is limiting, but because of the parking right outside it's a pretty great location too.“

“I worked at The Esquire for a few years and can confirm this is THE best bar/business in all of C/U. Jackie and Paul are pillars of the community, and continue to produce a great environment/product. The staff is always fun and knowledgable. The food is really good and affordable. There’s always a patron willing to hold good conversation.

Don’t skip this location if you’re visiting town. If you’re local you already known all this. Cheers!!“

“BEST BAR EVAR!!!“

“Amazing staff! Makes the best cocktails“

“Great atmosphere and staff!“

“Pour your own beer, wine and seltzers!We were headed to another local spot but then we saw the tap beer on the wall without a bar in front of it so we had to check it out! Turns out, once you check in at the bar, you get a card that you then take to the taps to activate them and pour as little or as much as you want! And you only pay for what you pour!There is no food HOWEVER you can bring in or have food delivered to eat there! And they have things to keep you entertained most nights including a Skee-ball league on Thursdays!!! ?Some arcade style video games are also available to play.“

“I had not been in the Brass Rail in years. We went to celebrate a friend’s birthday. It was a great atmosphere and cleaned up to the point where you would certainly take your Mom there, but they kept it authentic and the classic Bar atmosphere. They only have bar pizza, but do yourself a favor and try the cheesy garlic bread. Oh also try the Squint, their “Signature” drink. This will for sure be my new spot when I am in Champaign.“

“I strongly recommend Kohinoor Indian Restaurant and Lounge. I believe this is the most prestigious & delicious Indian Restaurant in Champaign IL. As their Royalty Customer, you're entitled to the most Luxurious Food Menu & Prestigious Services. Their Professional personnel will assist you with a smile & make sure you have a unique experience. I strongly recommend Kohinoor Indian Restaurant and Lounge.“

“Kenny, our server, made our wedding anniversary meal so very special. The steaks were amazing! Highly recommend the Baxters Salad too. The delicious and beautifully presented complimentary dessert (gooey butter cake) was so very appreciated and the time our server took with us to capture a great photo of the moment meant everything to us! Highly recommend this restaurant!“

“I enjoyed the atmosphere. Our server was attentive but not intrusive. I had the chicken quesadilla fajita with beans, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce and cheese. Big portions, served hot and not too spicy. Very big menu. A nice place to meet with friends. I'll be going back often.“

“Just passing thru on the way to Chicago with the family & decided to stop in per a recommendation. Enjoyed the environment along with the crowd as we watched the World Cup (USA v Wales)! Great place!“

“friendly staff , cheap booze , and a relaxing atmosphere. highly recommend any one of their locations.“

“Drinks were delicious. The waiters/ waitresses were very friendly and nice. This place has great cocktails and the appetizers were amazing.“

“This is the best bar downtown! Tons of space to chill and hang with friends. There are games and darts if you’re looking to do something. Otherwise the drinks are good and the bartenders are great! Be sure to check it out if you’re in town visiting or after a football game!“

“We arrived around 2pm on a Saturday. Sat at the bar, got some great suggestions from the bartender. The rice bowl and the starchild. Neither meal disappointed. I especially liked the pickled hokra with the rice bowl. The bar has almost a nostalgic feel to it. I also had a Stone IPA, I liked it. If going as a couple I suggest sitting at the bar.“

“friendly staff , cheap booze , and a relaxing atmosphere. highly recommend any one of their locations.“

“Went here during the summer and it had a very relaxed atmosphere, exactlywhat I was looking for in a hookah lounge. It is pretty barebones except for a few couches and booths. The staff might be the best part though. The guy we had was a great story teller and was on the ball when it came to adjusting coals.“

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“Food was excellent. our server was very polite and helpful.“

“Great food, great music, great owner, great staff, great bartenders. I love this place and I had some of my best memories here. I think the owner is a very nice and smart guy and that’s one of the reasons why this place has it all. If you wanna party, they have a huge space in the back with big mirrors (if anyone claims to have a dance bar and they don’t have mirrors there, they don’t know the business at all) and great DJs and light and music. OMG I’ve been to some of the fanciest bars in California but none of them can beat my experience from Joe’s. Totally worth the time (to stay in the line) and money (cover fee and drinks).“

“Love the cheerful vibe here. With popular Bollywood music playing, it feels like you're in India. Food is very yummy, love the paneer curry with garlic nan. The lentil soup and papdi chaat are a must try. Service is exceptional!

Vegetarian options: Lot of veggie options!“

“This is my favorite place to drink in downtown Champaign!“

“Great beer. Great service! And great traditions!“

“they accommodated a party of 8 on graduation Saturday. nice people and good food and fun“

“I am rating this in comparison to other college town food places as it is impossible for me to rate in comparison to what im used to in New York. Good food considering that this is a college town and friendly service too. It’s a good place to meet up with fellow students. Make sure to bring wet wipes as the tables and chairs are sticky, which is expected in a college town.“

“Love the entire experience. Great bartenders and cooks!!“

“Fat City is the place for entertainment! From the Boat Drunks to Candy Foster & Shades of Blue, this place covers it all! The cocktails are a tad pricey, but it's one of the only places in CU with a dance floor ... guaranteed good times here!“

“I enjoy Houlihan's. Our sever was great. My only challenge was that the menu changed and it was very small. We were told that they were expecting a larger party which meant that they reduced the number of dishes to prepare for that larger party. In other words, if you're not in the larger party, you have less items to choose from which is why they received 4 starts instead of five.“