Managed to pop in before the dinner rush to try a smash burger and some duck fat fries. It was downright indulgent with how saturated in fats and oils they were. Left a massive positive impression, but it'd probably be even better a few drinks in.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nolan Peacock
Talk about five stars. Best spot in CU hands down. Dedicated deeply to the community and with the incredible food to back it up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ann Carlberg
We were super stoked to visit this restaurant as we’ve heard great things.
The majority of the food is priced pretty standard, however, they have a pasta dish that is “on the whim” so it changes BUT, there is no price listed.
They had a carrot risotto on the menu tonight. No meat, no protein, just carrot curry risotto. It was okay, nothing crazy. But it was $36. Mind you, it was just the risotto. There was no protein as I said, no side salad, drink not included.
We actually had quite a laugh because at one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants, his award winning risotto is $33.
Overall, okay food, but pricing is sketchy on some items.
EDIT TO OWNER RESPONSE:
Hello! This seems to raise bigger concerns as we were absolutely charged $36 for the risotto. Not only were my husband and I charged this, our friend was also charged this price. We were not offered a receipt but we know for a fact that we paid $36 because we ordered the burger and the risotto. The burger was $14. and our meal was over $50. With waters.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Jake Stevens
Overpirced food with overly mediocre taste. Expect a mandatory 18% service fee and then still be expected to tip the wait staff on top of that. Nothing on the menu is worth the price they charge. The owner is also a social just warrior who puts their political opinions on show in their business practices. Easy way to alienate half of their potential customer base.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sarah K
I’m going to be talking about The Space for weeks to anyone that will listen. It was THAT good. The moment we walked in and got hit with the smell of what they’re cookin - we were sold. French onion dip app 10/10. Smash burgers (i got oklahoma and he got smashy) also 10/10. The crispy edges are unmatched… heaven sent. Finished off with the creme brûlée cheesecake, no surprise, it was a 10/10. The vibe is so dope. The staff is awesome and you can tell they actually WANT to be working here. Food is clearly made with top notch fresh ingredients. Cooked impeccably. The dishes are creative and I want to try every single one of them. 10000/10 experience. Can’t wait to be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leslie Buchanan
The space is amazing in every way. On top of feeding the homeless they are so nice about it I appreciate them from the bottom of my heart 💕
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ericka arreola
We made the trip from Bloomington to celebrate a friend's birthday. The staff was fun, accommodating, and patient with our large group! We were a bit rowdy but our server, Liv didn't skip a beat. We had so many appetizers but the wings were a favorite. I also had the Porklahoma Burgersmash and farm salad. 😋 Everything was hot and delicious. Not a single complaint from our group. I appreciate their experimental menu and fun mocktails! I tried the Apple Tartini and found it pleasant. They also have NA wine. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marcus VanHoutte
The food was absolutely amazing! They also have a good beer selection. While I was there, they happened to host an open mic music event, and I know they also have comedy every week.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel Cooper
This place is the best. Whether you want a more gourmet meal or just a good burger, The Space delivers every time. They are also really great with our dietary restrictions and have a delicious gluten free bun. Our favorite place to take visitors and our go to dinner out when we don’t want to cook.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kaden Falvo
Such an interesting place with good food. Service was great. Staff and owners are funny and very nice. The plates we got were disney plates 😂 this place was a great stop for dinner!
The Space is a versatile venue known for its lively atmosphere, great for social gatherings and events. It offers a solid menu with a mix of American comfort food and creative cocktails. The vibe is casual yet energetic, with good music and friendly staff. Perfect for a night out with friends or a relaxed dinner. Overall, a reliable spot with tasty food and a fun environment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristi Novak
LOVED this place. Great food and the atmosphere was fantastic. Great spot in downtown champaign, service was fantastic and the people were friendly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeremy Ellis
Amazing food, staff, and ambiance!! Will definitely be coming back!!!!! Ps.. music choice is lit!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jenny Mikulich
The menu is lofty but did not deliver. The smash burger was smashed down to disintegrating cracker thin beef ash which was dry, obviously, and only tasted burnt. The fries that came with that were tough and chewy and also unsalted. The meatloaf sando was OK, but for homemade ketchup and all scratch made items, it was underwhelming for how expensive it was. The side salad with that was probably the best part of my meal, though it was piled down with an excessive amount of very tangy pickled red onions that I had to remove the majority of. I like the ideas the menu presents, but after one visit I'm not likely to come back and give the execution another try. Also, waited a LONG time for our opportunity to pay. Finally had to ask the waitress if we could. I think she thought we already did.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Jacob Ferguson
Easily my favorite restaurant in a town full of great food. One of those places where I’m willing to try things otherwise out of my comfort zone because I trust that they will do it right. I love the food, I love the vibe, I feel at home here.
I had the privilege of meeting Ian at the Experience the Hops event at Allerton Manor. He catered an exquisite beer paired dinner that evening, and from that moment I knew I had to eat at his restaurant as often as I could. I begged for vegan options so I could bring my vegan partner, and I’ve been happy to see that my request had been frequently honored. Can’t recommend this amazing Space enough.
Managed to pop in before the dinner rush to try a smash burger and some duck fat fries. It was downright indulgent with how saturated in fats and oils they were. Left a massive positive impression, but it'd probably be even better a few drinks in.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Talk about five stars. Best spot in CU hands down. Dedicated deeply to the community and with the incredible food to back it up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were super stoked to visit this restaurant as we’ve heard great things.
The majority of the food is priced pretty standard, however, they have a pasta dish that is “on the whim” so it changes BUT, there is no price listed.
They had a carrot risotto on the menu tonight. No meat, no protein, just carrot curry risotto. It was okay, nothing crazy. But it was $36. Mind you, it was just the risotto. There was no protein as I said, no side salad, drink not included.
We actually had quite a laugh because at one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants, his award winning risotto is $33.
Overall, okay food, but pricing is sketchy on some items.
EDIT TO OWNER RESPONSE:
Hello!
This seems to raise bigger concerns as we were absolutely charged $36 for the risotto. Not only were my husband and I charged this, our friend was also charged this price. We were not offered a receipt but we know for a fact that we paid $36 because we ordered the burger and the risotto. The burger was $14. and our meal was over $50. With waters.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Overpirced food with overly mediocre taste. Expect a mandatory 18% service fee and then still be expected to tip the wait staff on top of that. Nothing on the menu is worth the price they charge.
The owner is also a social just warrior who puts their political opinions on show in their business practices. Easy way to alienate half of their potential customer base.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I’m going to be talking about The Space for weeks to anyone that will listen. It was THAT good. The moment we walked in and got hit with the smell of what they’re cookin - we were sold. French onion dip app 10/10. Smash burgers (i got oklahoma and he got smashy) also 10/10. The crispy edges are unmatched… heaven sent. Finished off with the creme brûlée cheesecake, no surprise, it was a 10/10. The vibe is so dope. The staff is awesome and you can tell they actually WANT to be working here. Food is clearly made with top notch fresh ingredients. Cooked impeccably. The dishes are creative and I want to try every single one of them. 10000/10 experience. Can’t wait to be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The space is amazing in every way. On top of feeding the homeless they are so nice about it I appreciate them from the bottom of my heart 💕
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We made the trip from Bloomington to celebrate a friend's birthday. The staff was fun, accommodating, and patient with our large group! We were a bit rowdy but our server, Liv didn't skip a beat. We had so many appetizers but the wings were a favorite. I also had the Porklahoma Burgersmash and farm salad. 😋 Everything was hot and delicious. Not a single complaint from our group. I appreciate their experimental menu and fun mocktails! I tried the Apple Tartini and found it pleasant. They also have NA wine. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was absolutely amazing! They also have a good beer selection. While I was there, they happened to host an open mic music event, and I know they also have comedy every week.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is the best. Whether you want a more gourmet meal or just a good burger, The Space delivers every time. They are also really great with our dietary restrictions and have a delicious gluten free bun. Our favorite place to take visitors and our go to dinner out when we don’t want to cook.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such an interesting place with good food. Service was great. Staff and owners are funny and very nice. The plates we got were disney plates 😂 this place was a great stop for dinner!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smashy Mcsmashface, Truffle Fries Wings Smashburger
Restaurantji Recommends
The Space is a versatile venue known for its lively atmosphere, great for social gatherings and events. It offers a solid menu with a mix of American comfort food and creative cocktails. The vibe is casual yet energetic, with good music and friendly staff. Perfect for a night out with friends or a relaxed dinner. Overall, a reliable spot with tasty food and a fun environment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
LOVED this place. Great food and the atmosphere was fantastic. Great spot in downtown champaign, service was fantastic and the people were friendly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food, staff, and ambiance!! Will definitely be coming back!!!!! Ps.. music choice is lit!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The menu is lofty but did not deliver. The smash burger was smashed down to disintegrating cracker thin beef ash which was dry, obviously, and only tasted burnt. The fries that came with that were tough and chewy and also unsalted. The meatloaf sando was OK, but for homemade ketchup and all scratch made items, it was underwhelming for how expensive it was. The side salad with that was probably the best part of my meal, though it was piled down with an excessive amount of very tangy pickled red onions that I had to remove the majority of. I like the ideas the menu presents, but after one visit I'm not likely to come back and give the execution another try. Also, waited a LONG time for our opportunity to pay. Finally had to ask the waitress if we could. I think she thought we already did.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Easily my favorite restaurant in a town full of great food. One of those places where I’m willing to try things otherwise out of my comfort zone because I trust that they will do it right. I love the food, I love the vibe, I feel at home here.
I had the privilege of meeting Ian at the Experience the Hops event at Allerton Manor. He catered an exquisite beer paired dinner that evening, and from that moment I knew I had to eat at his restaurant as often as I could. I begged for vegan options so I could bring my vegan partner, and I’ve been happy to see that my request had been frequently honored. Can’t recommend this amazing Space enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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