The Clark Bar! The best bar in town, in my opinion. The staff is friendly, helpful, funny, and wonderful. The location is tucked away in downtown Champaign, close enough to walk to the main strip but far enough away that you don't get the college/hipster scene. We started going to the Clark bar because it is so close and we can bring our dog to sit outside on their BEAUTIFUL patio. Worried we may not feel welcome in a neighborhood bar, we were immediately embraced by all the regulars, the owners, and the whole darn staff.
We're there nearly every day. You know why? BECAUSE THE FOOD IS AWESOME and there are DOLLAR DRAFTS EVERY DAY! How could you go wrong there? I highly recommend the ribs, their cook is excellent and I honestly haven't had better ribs in town. Beats both Black Dog and Porgys, as far as ribs go. The Reuben and the Rachel are my favorite sandwiches, and the crab cakes are sublime, if you're feelin' fancy. Also the pulled pork sandwich is super as well.
Please go to the Clark Bar, and see for yourself. Keep this gem alive.
As a new-to-towner and a 30-something who is not a student or professional, I've been searching for a pub that catered to regular ol' folk like me. Clark Bar is truly one of those places. The building itself is sort of hidden from the rest of the downtown bar scene. The building is actually a Victorian-styled house that was remodeled into a bar. I can't really speak about the drink selections... I'm a simple beer and whiskey man. The domestic drafts are $1 on Thursdays, but might actually the special every day. The bartender was friendly and attentive.
Review Source:The Clark Bar is a great place to hang out with friends. Â They have the best patio in town! Â Very calm and relaxing environment outside, dance floor in the back, pool tables and lots of seating make it a perfect place for whatever you desire to do at a bar. Â AND the food is fantastic!! Â The Clark Bar is for everyone!
Review Source:Clark Bar is a casual, neighborhood bar. Â Don't expect much of a college scene here. Â And because the bar is off the main strip for downtown Champaign, you won't find the modern urban socialite scene, either. Â Most nights are relatively low-key, though they do host live music from time to time. Â The place is deceptively large as rooms are sectioned off to allow for cozy, private settings for small groups. Â I love to sit in their patio area in the summer, which also has a layout that allows for some privacy among groups, including a small screened porch (for people who fear insects).
The alcohol selection here is probably not indie rock enough to impress beer elitists. Â They offer standard beers and well drinks, but there are no obscure microbrews.
For some confusing reason, Clark Bar is listed as a "tapas bar" on Yelp. Â I think that this classification is somewhat misleading as tapas evoke a distinctly trendy, European sensibility. Â While the tone of the food verges into tapas territory at times, the ambiance at Clark Bar probably wouldn't be suitable for an elegant dinner date. Â The menu ranges from standard fare (burger and fries) to surprisingly exotic. Â My carnivorous friends rave about the ribs, which are served exclusively on Wednesday and Friday. Â Once I stopped by and found fried ALLIGATOR on the menu, an exceedingly rare delicacy outside of the deep south (ESPECIALLY in Champaign, IL). Â Any appetizer they make with shrimp is absolutely perfect. Â As a fair warning, some dishes are only offered seasonally.
The variation you see in terms of food might also apply to the clientele you meet here. Â Most nights the bars is populated by absolutely ordinary local people. Â However, during one surreal visit, I watched as a stream of people dressed in Victorian hoop skirts and silk waistcoats marched in. Â Not an experience you'd run across at most bars. Â Apparently Clark Bar was hosting a meeting of the local steam punk club that evening.
I'd recommend Clark Bar for anyone who isn't scared of a bar with a "townie" vibe. Â This unassuming establishment serves some of the most interesting food in town, depending on the cook's mood. Â For those who love to people-watch, there are fewer prime locations in the area.
Kelsey Keyes reviews:  The Clark Bar is easy to overlook, but worth checking out!  They have a fun menu (split fairly evenly between  regular items, and new dishes that usually have some unifying "theme").  The chef, waitstaff and bartenders are exceedingly friendly and helpful.  Be sure to check out the Monday night specials -- 25% off tapas, and $5 martinis!
Review Source:The Clark Bar... Beautifully remodeled, gets busier as the night goes on... a great warm-up bar before heading out to C-Street or also an excellent alternative if you need a break from the 'only gay bar in C-U', as C-Street is so-often called.
Great atmosphere, good pool table, darts, cool outdoor tiki-bar and funny staff with spunk.
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