If you haven't been to Bentley's in a while, it's probably a lot different than the last time you went there. Whoever it was that was working, probably isn't there anymore. The bands aren't playing. The karaoke has stopped. The clientele has changed a bit. Fu is running the place now, so that means, if you want a "Little White Lie" or "Hot and Dirty Pickle", you go here for it, and not to Radio Maria. He brought over his InFUsions, when he took over. He's revamped the cocktail list, and is working hard on the beer selection. When I get done bartending, I like to have a drink to unwind. I prefer to have a little bit of quiet alone time, time to get away from the happy revelers that I've just been serving. I don't need a lot of time, I just want a little bit of time away from people. Maybe, I don't want to talk anymore. I need a vest like working dogs have that says "don't pet me". There are a lot of service industry folk who are the same way. Bentley's is currently the "safe space" for bartenders. Without the music and karaoke, it's not filled with the drunken revelers. It does, however, have some of the best drinks, at affordable prices, and the unwashed masses are staying away. I can live with that. But then, if the bartenders are all drinking here, doesn't that mean it's probably the best? If it's where the professionals go... then, that should tell you something. read more

My friend visiting from California who I rarely see dropped their entire drink on the counter which was the modest of honest mistakes. Not even a shot was given for the friendly sportsmanship, unless $$$. Will not return but ok I guess. read more

I was so grateful this place was open late! I was surprised to see that not all bars in a college town are open to 2 on a weekend! My cousin, friend, sister and I were trying to find a place to have some drinks after my cousin's daughter's wedding and someone told us about this place a couple blocks down from our hotel. We walked in the freezing rain/snow and were so happy to get inside this warm bar. The bouncer at the door and the bartender were both very friendly and the service was quick. Prices were reasonable too. We found a table and all were able to have a couple of drinks before they closed. The vibe in this place was fun too! read more

They have Great drinks at a real value. Their bartenders are very knowledgeable. The Homemade Coffee Tequila is incredible with almond milk.

at Patrick's day I I was denied entrance with my best friends who were with me the entire time, and the guy looked at me and said you're not welcome but your friends are I thought it was completely disrespectful and I was nice the entire I did nothing dishonor the person standing at the but four people said hello to me at the door and he said you're denied entrance and I asked why he said you look like you had a good time. I had $40 to spend at the bar, and I think it was completely disrespectful an entire group of friends who I was completely with read more

Bentley's has a very nice staff! All the standard bar drinks are available, but they for sure rock a very nice drink menu with their own signature drinks. A lot of my friends like the multitudes of beer options, I'm kinda a domestic dude myself so I can't really jump on that train. They have a lovely beer garden, and often have nice music happening, DJ's and such. I love that they are at the North end of downtown, you can kinda hide from all the jerk assery that can pop off on the weekends in downtown champaign. Overall a great hang out spot for after work gatherings or late night fun. read more

Ambiance inside is always fun and great patio out back. Drinks are always delicious and service is quick. Always a great time at Bentley's

This is a long standing dive bar in downtown Champaign. High ceilings, long bar, area outside in the back, and a cool tiled floor. I have always loved the feel here. I have been here plenty of times, but never put my thoughts down in a review before now. Service is standoffish, but still knowledgeable and quick. There are 10 plus taps. They have always had a really good beer selection. Since Mike & Molly's closed, I have been coming here more often when I visit the area. Good strong cocktails as well. Thats it, just another good bar in the area read more

Great place! Cheap drinks and great environment. I love it! Five stars all the way. Friendly service as well.

Left without ordering, no food, and they were completely set up for a whiskey tasting and obviously not interested in regular business even though we were the only two in the place. Soul food place a couple doors down was great even though we were looking for a Guinness and food. read more

You know what there's not to like about Bentley's? NOTHING. It's a neighborhood bar if there ever was one. And while it's right on the edge of downtown, it's still in my neighborhood. I got a 20 oz pint of Dark Horse Scotty Karate Scotch Ale (incredible, by the way) for $4.75. It was only mildly crowded for 10pm on a Saturday night, and there was pretty good free music playing. It's not even a dive bar. It's actually kind of pretty. I can't wait to come here all the time and do a two-block-drunken-stumble back home after having spent $15 or less. read more

Absolutely amazing. My friend and I drove past this place after giving up at another Champaign bar, heading home to watch a movie, and decided as a last ditch effort we'd head in. Expecting to find dodgy old men and PBR, we were instead greeted with a small crowd, a friendly bartender and an absolutely excellent selection of beers and STRONGBOW. Both bottled and on tap. But I've left out the best part. THEY SERVE 20 OZ PINTS. I actually, for once, finally felt like I was out having a drink. 16 oz is for babies. Got two snakebites, my friend got this sweet mango/pineapple thing the bartender mixed for her cause she wasn't looking to drink...all around good times. I would totally recommend Bentley's to anyone and I'm sorry to be graduating this year, as I'd make it my regular if I could. read more

Loooove this bar! I started coming every Tuesday since August because they have 2 bands that play! At 6:30 Jill and Jordan play and switch on and off with another band called Upshot! These bands are amazing and to top it off the bartenders are the best! Very good at what they do and a lot of fun!! read more

Bentley's Pub - Jordan and Jill - Pubs Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

See all

I'm biased in that one of my friends works as a bartender here (ask for Niki), but I really like Bentley's. It's a refreshing breath of fresh air from the hipster-occupied bars downtown (which are really good bars, but, again, hipsters). They have events almost every night during the week, and live events on the weekend. I'm not a big fan of the karaoke nights, but the live music is always good. Drinks are reasonably priced; the specials are competitively priced, and I've gotten some good deals on spirits (I once ordered Macallan scotch, and the bartender poured me what seemed like a double for the price of a single). The people are friendly, and it's a nice big open space. Good bar, and cleaner than a place like Murphy's with less undergraduates and hipsters. read more

I really wanted to like this place, and my first impression was actually pretty good. The first time we visited the bartender was great. A friend and I were even advised that a beer we ordered was not so good, and offered a sample which confirmed the advice. It's also really nicely done inside, with nice woodwork and a tin ceiling, friendly lighting, a jukebox, good seating, and even 10oz beers available at near half-price. Each time I've visited since, my experience has been worse than the previous. Since this was mostly based on the other clientele, I held off on reviewing. But my last visit was pretty bad, and not because of the clientele. We waited at the bar for over 10 minutes to be served--which would be completely understandable if it was busy, but there were no other waiting customers to be seen. Also, our table was never cleared the entire time we were there, nor did we see any other cleanup happening at other tables. Worst of all, neither of the beers we ordered was anywhere near it's prime--both were stale and one was noticeably flat. So with poor service and old beer, I don't know if I'll be going back. read more

The music is great!!!! I only go on Wednesday nights when they have traditional Irish music. Is makes for a great atmosphere to enjoy your drinks and friends. They have a nice selection of beers to choose from. Although there is limited space, I think that adds to the atmosphere. read more

Bentley's Pub - Live traditional Irish music - Pubs Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

This is probably my favorite place to go to do 80% of my drinking in champaign. It's chill and out of the way but interesting people show up. The ownership knows what their doing as well as service is always quick to serve and quick to help. How awesome is it to feel a good party mood yet ALSO be able to talk to someone!? read more

This is as close to an English Pub as you will find in CU. Some may think of it as a dive, as it does not have a super-impressive street-front presence, but really it is a pretty nice place, with less pretense than Boltini's or other downtown Champaign peers. A great selection of English ales and other limey brews on tap with more in bottles. They often have pretty decent bands here, even though it is not that big and is not "set up" for music. It is a very intimate place to see a band. They have darts, megatouch, and nice long, high tables, which are perfect if you have a bunch a friends with you. No students, which is a huge plus. Service is great. I cant give it 5 stars, as it is not super cheap, but if the band you dig is playing, it is a great place to see them. Parking is not great if the bar is crowded. Try on the side street. read more

This was my favorite bar in the Champaign-Urbana area! If you're looking for a trendy hotspot full of loud techno music, popped collars, and $12 martinis this is not the place for you. But if you're looking for a chill place...with a great jukebox and cheap drinks, where you can actually have a conversation with your friends this is THE spot. Plus they have real darts! I also can't say enough about the awesome bartenders- they are absolutely the friendliest, nicest people you'll ever meet. So if you're looking for something different from the usual drunken undergrads in Campustown or pretentious hipsters in downtown Champaign, give Bentley's a try...you won't be disappointed. read more

A kicking cool old bar with a big patio in the heart of downtown Champaign. There is nothing to complain about this place and enjoyed an overall drinking experience on a nice summer day. They only had one bartender so walking back and forth from outside was the necessary movement for people.There could be a few more TV screens as well. read more

It hurts me to give Bentley's this rating. It used to be my go to bar. It's clean, friendly, has very good drink prices and it had a neighborhood atmosphere. Even their newish beer garden is very nice. Unfortunately a couple years ago they introduced the various events. Pretty much every weeknight and every night on weekends there's a band, karaoke or some sort of horrible obnoxious event (you're exempted from that criticism, Irish Music Night). That means what used to be the ideal place to hang out and have a beer with friends is gone---replaced by a new crowd with very loud events and bands. As a venue for bands, it's absolutely terrible, IMHO. I understand why they've done it, they seem to get much better business now, but I really hate it and stopped going there at the end of my time in C-U. So go on Irish music night or a night with no bands and this is a great bar, albeit with a shittier new clientele. But go on any other night and it's a bad music venue you can't even really talk in. read more

No more live music, no more karaoke here. Their drink specials are pretty good and they let you bring your own food. That's about the only pluses. read more

I love the open mic on Monday nights, great musicians. The bartender is awesome and it's a fun atmosphere. It's a relaxing place to hang out and be entertained. read more

I spent a week down here for work and this was they high light of my trip. I drank through 2 bartenders on a Wednesday while listening to an Irish jam session. The music was nice and at the perfect volume. Both bartenders were chatty and provided a lot of useful information for an out of towner like myself. read more

Good beer selection, including a good hard cider on tap. Went on a Monday night so it wasn't crowded. All the food was phenomenal. Absolutely blew my mind. The chicken is raised by local Amish and the beef is grass fed (the head chef we talked to said he visited the farm near Springfield and everything). Seriously, the plating is gorgeous, all the favors are perfect compliments, and it tastes like really good pub food, all for about $15, or $5 for a variety of small plates. Friendly but not bothersome waited/bartender. Nice ambiance. Currently the kitchen is open really late, at least to 11:30pm when we ordered, but I suspect that's just while they are feeling out hours and getting started. read more

Did kereoke on saturday night here, it was really good. Bar is sort of divey but really good.

Bentley's is a bar for everyone! The fact that it's so eclectic and welcomes EVERYONE is one of the reasons why my husband and I love it and have been going for years. They changed management a year ago, and the place is busier and has a fun-loving vibe. The best way I can describe it is as a "Boston Pub" - the kind of bar that serves a lot of beers, basic mixed drinks, and lots of shots. Clean, fun bartenders and they have a good mix of events. Karaoke is two nights a week (Thursday and Saturday), live music is usually there on Tuesdays and Fridays, and they have other ever-changing events throughout the rest of the week. Small enough to be intimate, big enough to have a blast. I love this place! read more