The Nightlife of Downtown Champaign, Illinois

The University of Illinois is the main attraction in Champaign, Illinois, but there is a definite distinction in the areas for nightlife. The campus bars are centered around Green Street while the downtown area is filled with music venues, brew pubs, restaurants and theaters.

Music
Downtown Champaign nightlife has centered around music for a long time. In the late 1960s, a band called Reo Speedwagon was formed and was frequently found playing downtown. The band still makes occasional appearances, but you can find many types of live music at many downtown clubs, including Bentley's, the High Dive and Memphis on Main. You can also head to Boltini where the DJ is mixing it up to go with the martini selection.

Brews
The highlight of the brew scene in Champaign is Destihl, a gastro pub where you won't find a Bud Light, but you can choose from a dozen different beers made on the property. You can enjoy a burger with that brew if you want, or try some of the incredible gourmet items on the menu that you won't see too often, like rich Stuffed Poblano Peppers, Beer Battered Asparagus or Spiced Seared Swordfish. If you just want to kick back with a beer, you can't beat the selection at The Blind Pig.

Fine Food
Destihl is far from the only place to enjoy the nightlife with a great dinner in downtown Champaign. The room may be small a Baccaro, but you will not regret making the trip for a special occasion. The ever-changing menu has an Italian flavor and a great wine list. Radio Maria is the place to go for tasty tapas, while you can find great French food at the inexpensive bistro-like Carmon's. You can't beat the bar pizza at Jupiter's, where there are plenty of pool tables for a casual nightlife atmosphere.

Theatre
Each April, the historic Virginia Theatre, which has the feel of an old Broadway show house, is home to the Roger Ebert Film Festival. Ebert, who grew up in this area, brings his favorite films to town and leads a weekend of viewing and panel discussions. If you can't wait until April, check out the latest at the Art Theater for the latest artsy films that you won't find at the multiplex.

Between the Roads
When you head to downtown Champaign, park your car and explore. You'll find some of the most interesting pubs, like Cowboy Monkey, where you can find everything from trivia nights to dance lessons. Walk through the alleyways during the summer months you will see tables and chairs everywhere with people enjoying the warm, open air. You won't find a lot of shopping in this area, but you will see street festivals with live music and art exhibits a few times a year.

Getting There
Champaign, Illinois, is just two hours from downtown Chicago and a few minutes closer to Indianapolis. The University has its own airport and you can find two others '" Central Illinois Regional and Peoria -- within about an hour of the area. Before you leave tow, make sure you stop at a Champaign staple. Jarling's Custard Cup has been offering up a variety of frozen custard flavors that have people coming from miles.