When entering the Campustown here at UI, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of bars around.

With so many bars, some people might forget that there are great bars in downtown Champaign and Urbana as well.

These bars don’t put as much emphasis on loud music and massive dance floors, instead more for people who are looking for a place to sit down with close friends and enjoy a good beer.

While often frequented by seniors and graduate students, anyone’s welcome to join in the drinking of fine pale ales. Here are a few bars that might be a bit of a hike, but are worth the trip.

The Blind Pig

A place made for beer aficionados. The Blind Pig features over 100 bottled beers, along with fourteen beers on tap.

Four of these taps are beers brewed by The Blind Pig, while the other ten are microbrews.

The other great thing about The Blind Pig is that there are two locations; The Blind Pig at 120 N. Walnut St., and The Blind Pig Brewery at 120 N. Neil St.

The brewery is newer, having just finished construction earlier this summer.

Among the specials during the week at the non-brewery Blind Pig is $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon pints and $2 Jameson shots on Sunday and Monday.

At the brewery, the Sunday and Monday specials also feature $2 Jameson shots, and $1 Old Style pints.

Walking into The Blind Pig is a strange experience, at first glance, it’s reminiscent of a bar pirates drink at in the movies.

The mood is very laid back and casual; don’t expect stripper poles and Soulja Boy. If you’re a beer enthusiast, The Blind Pig will no doubt turn into one of your favorite places in Champaign.

Crane Alley

For people who live in Urbana, walking to the bars in Campustown can be a pain. If you’re looking for less of a trek, why not try out Crane Alley in downtown Urbana?

Located at 115 W. Main St., Crane Alley is also a great place to grab a bite to eat alongside the brews.

With over 100 beers available, customers have there pick of the litter from beers as universally known as Heinekin to obscure brews like North Coast D’or.

Or if your not in the mood to get obliterated, Crane Alley also features a stellar food menu that is wide ranging for any appetite.

The menu features such selections portabella mushroom, four different types of hamburger, seven different salads, steak, and phenomenal barbeque ribs.

There are also desserts like chocolate cheesecake and lemon cream cake. A fun place to eat, drink, or just play a game of pool, Crane Alley is a great bar in downtown Urbana.

Soma Ultralounge

A place for the people looking for a classy night out.

Located at 320 N. Neil St. in downtown Champaign, Soma is a great place to get away from the overcrowded, puke smelling atmosphere of Campustown bars and enjoy the space your inhabiting while you get your drink on.

To give you an idea of the type of sophistication I’m talking about, Soma Ultralounge features 17 different types of scotch, along with 13 different champagnes.

I’ve always thought of Soma as a jazz bar, a place to listen to Miles Davis and drink for pleasure, not to black out (although that might come too).

Soma Ultralounge is a great bar to have a cultured night out; don’t be afraid to suit up for the occasion guys.