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Boltini
211 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820 · 217-378-8001
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CHAMPAIGN. Home to what many regard as downtown Champaign's best martinis, stylish Boltini gives the well-heeled crowd a cool, contemporary setting where they can enjoy top-shelf liquors, hard-to-find microbrews and premium wines. In addition – thanks to a menu featuring everything from cheese plates to a Chicago-style kosher hot dog or smoked turkey and provolone baguette – their take on bar food is truly upscale. The subtle decor is punctuated by hardwood floors, intimate booths and tables, and a long, polished bar.
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CHAMPAIGN. A cross between a pub and a sports bar, BW-3 (as it's called) caters to folks who want a place to hang out, munch terrific wings, and down a few brews. The interior features plenty of TVs, sports paraphernalia and neon beer signs. Come with a group of friends and kick back in the animated environment while you slough off the cares of the day. Popular with college students. Salads, wraps, burgers, and sandwiches also available.
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Crane Alley
115 W Main St, Urbana, IL 61801 · 217-384-7526
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URBANA. Although Crane Alley has a solid rep as a good place for lunches of hot wings, portabella burgers, marinated flank steak or beer-battered fish, it's as a nighttime destination that the place really shines. Indeed, folks from all walks of life enjoy the upscale pad, which features dark hardwood floors, eight felt-covered pool tables, a handful of cafe tables and cozy wooden booths. More than 100 varieties of bottled beer are in stock, and 16 are available on-tap. Liquors range from top-shelf vodkas to single-malt scotches, and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys are well-represented on the wine list.
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CHAMPAIGN. If you're looking for a place where you can do things you can't do at home – like watch football games on multiple TVs or throw empty peanut shells on the floor – then Esquire may be right up your alley. Should your appetite kick in, the menu features an array of tasty treats like pizzas and black bean burgers. In addition to good times and great eats, Esquire hosts a number of popular events throughout the year, including the fashionable First Wednesday Smokers, which are conducted in partnership with a local tobacconist.
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Highdive
51 Main St, Champaign, IL 61820 · 217-356-2337
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CHAMPAIGN. This high-octane nightspot features a terrific calendar of weekly entertainment, from DJ-led dance parties to live regional and national bands. Musical genres are wide in scope: On one night, you may find yourself grooving to the latest hip-hop and Top 40 hits, while on the next night, live Dixieland jazz or good old-fashioned rock and roll get the place moving. When it's time to cool off between songs or sets, make your way to the bar and order up a Pabst Blue Ribbon, Tanqueray and tonic or glass of merlot. Contact the club for specific information about its weekly slate.
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Jillian's
1201 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820 · 217-355-2800
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CHAMPAIGN. Good food, great atmosphere, and sports, sports, sports – that's what you'll find at this lively, red-brick temple to good times. Come early, enjoy a burger or some wings in the restaurant, and then move on to the fully-stocked bar area. Virtual reality video games, strategically placed TVs and a dozen or so pool tables are certain to keep you busy late into the night. The spacious patio is a popular gathering spot when the weather outside's nice.
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Joe's Brewery
706 S 5th St, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL 61820 · 217-384-1790
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CHAMPAIGN. If you're on the U of I campus and find yourself in dire need of a watering hole that also serves eats, few places attract attention quite like this spacious bar on the corner of Green and Fifth. At lunchtime, folks crowd onto Joe's inviting patio, or they gather around the TVs, watch sports and munch on wings. In the evening, pool tables and video games provide alternative distractions to the grinding taking place on the state-of-the-art dance floor. Versatile, friendly and always energized – Joe's is the kind of joint every college town worth its salt needs.
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CHAMPAIGN. Dark hardwood floors, a pressed-tin ceiling and exposed red-brick walls give this casual downtown spot a historic look and feel that truly endears it to Champaign's hip, young urbanites. Pizzas, of course, garner a good bit of praise thanks to such delicious selections as the Pizza Hawaii, Pesto Margherita and Salmon Pizza. Of course, Jupiter's is about more than just good pie – the beer list is large enough to keep even the most intrepid connoisseur busy for several months, and pool tables stay busy throughout the day.
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URBANA. Arguably the area's most respected live music venue, The Canopy doesn't mess around when it comes to booking great regional and national acts. Folks like Blueground Undergrass and Grand Buffet get booked from week to week, and admission prices for these shows are among the most reasonable deals in town. Keep your eyes peeled for more recognizable names, like Les Claypool, Primus' legendary bassist-front man. Open-mic and jam nights round out the weekly live music calendars. If dancing is more your bag, the club also hosts a number of high-energy DJ dance parties.
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| Music: |
Acoustic
Blues
Jazz
Rock
Varies |
| Dress: |
CC: Casual
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| Food Served: |
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URBANA. Champaign doesn't have exclusive rights to all of the area's top live music venues. Indeed, this attractive red-brick building in downtown Urbana offers a laid-back, more intimate setting that's ideal for catching a blues, jazz or acoustic act. In addition to the great setting and music, The Iron Post serves rather tasty pub grub, from tequila lime buffalo wings and white garlic pizzas to baked potatoes and Polish sausages. Unless noted otherwise, all shows kick off at 9pm.
About 10Best's recommendations for Urbana's Best Nightlife:
10Best's editors and local contacts have searched all over Urbana for the best places to find yourself once the sun goes down and have decided that these businesses represent the best Urbana, Illinois has to offer. Want to relax and unwind in Urbana? Let us show you the best places in town to do it!
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