Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Champaign North, IL

CHAMPAIGN. Dark hardwood floors, a pressed-tin ceiling and exposed red-brick walls give this casual downtown spot a...

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.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2am; Sun Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CHAMPAIGN. If you're looking for a place where you can do things you can't do at home ­ like watch football games...

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.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

URBANA. Champaign doesn't have exclusive rights to all of the area's top live music venues. Indeed, this attractive...

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.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-1am; Sat-Sun 5pm-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

URBANA. Although Crane Alley has a solid rep as a good place for lunches of hot wings, portabella burgers, marinated...

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.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club