Champs Sport Bar & Grill

So you're in small town America and want a night out? You need to adjust your perspective. Once you do that, Champs will fit the bill. There is a more traditional "bar" setup downstairs if you want to hang out with less (note I said less not "no") noise.

Upstairs is more of a traditional nightclub arrangement. Jam packed, loud, house band, small congested dance floor - you get the gist.

Broad range of "types" here - frat boys, gang banger wannabees, it runs the gamut. As the first to review noted - you don't have much of a choice in Sterling. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's a BAD thing.

The only reason this place is in business is because there is literally nothing else to do in that town. I think this is Sterling, Illinois' attempt at a club, maybe? Regardless, I can honestly say that I've never had fun here.
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It's always way too loud... the place is small so "lets turn the main down a tad, ok Skid Row?" Also, it's always way too crowded with creepers staring at the women dancing on the undersized dance floor. Everytime I've been here I've been deathly afraid of being shanked while ordering a beer. Did I mention someone got shot there once? There are a few crappy pool tables in the place, and the obligatory dart boards. I guess the downstairs portion isn't as bad, but it's too dark and dank to be of any use.

If you want a slightly safer atmosphere just head next door to The Depot... Even though that place is starting to go downhill quickly. Champs would've received only 1 star if the Depot hadn't gone down the tubes, but since it's all relative, Champs lucks out and receives 2 whole stars.