First of all, I don’t really like being referred to as a “townie.” I feel that this city is more mine than the students who live here temporarily, and this reference ostracizes me as something foreign in my own domain. Yet, while on campus, it is a term I have succumbed to as it is universally understood and makes it easier for people to place me into a category.
That being said, this weekend was a night celebrated without many other students besides those who were out with me. It was my friend’s second celebration of her 22nd birthday, and another dear friend, Sarah, from ISU was with us for the night. She doesn’t really dig the campus bar scene—but prefers the more laid-back, occasional shithole bars primarily filled with locals.
Stop #1…Guidos
A favorite local hangout that I see more students at than other downtown bars. Guidos is a regular spot for me. I think it’s the mix of people, dim lighting, and comfortable seating that creates the inviting atmosphere I prefer when I go out. The prices aren’t awful compared to other downtown spots; I drank Goose Island 312 on tap for $3.50 a glass.
(Note: bad times can be had—such as my last experience with a creepy regular named “Patrick.” This middle-aged drunk not only continually leaned in between my friend and I while we sat at the bar, uncomfortably and inappropriately close to both of us, but bit into the fur on the hood of my coat when I turned my back to him. Needless to say I was super-pissed, causing a scene as one bartender chastised him and the others looked over in confusion. He didn’t give two shits, and just spit the fur from his mouth onto the bar. Disgusting.)
They’re menu isn’t huge, but I had a good dinner: crab cakes with a side salad (with standard tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions), a good portion at around $8. This night, however, wasn’t ideal because their downstairs was reserved for a private party, leaving the main floor packed with people, flustering the waitresses and making the wait for drinks that much longer at the bar. It was perhaps too nice, too expensive, or too crowded, but Sarah wasn’t into it. So here we began our decline from what’s nice or trendy, and delved into the gritty, seedy side of Champaign that is well-enjoyed from time to time.
Stop #2…Rocks
The crowds are smaller, the drinks are cheaper, and we had lots of them ($2.75 for domestic bottles, $1 bottles on Wednesdays, and the shots are always BIG). We met a nice guy that bought shots for all 7 of us—twice. Although it’s pretty much on campus, you’ll find mostly locals hanging out at this spot; I see a lot of people I went to high school with who chose to work instead of go college hanging out here, but the crowd can vary quite a bit.
We spent a lot of time at Rocks, and needless to say, a good time was had by all. Sarah invented a new form of the Hokey Pokey—a bit nastier than the original. We had our usual moment when we realize how much we love each other, “You are my BEST friend! You know?” And I was able to leave my car in the parking lot without fear of being towed (kudos to you Rocks!) so we could catch a safe ride.
Stop #3…DR Diggers
We were probably the only people who weren’t regulars and under the age of 40. It was quite fun, and cheap ($2.25 for a domestic draft). We had a great time sitting around, playing pool, and hitting around beach balls that were available for reasons unknown to me still (this part of the night isn’t quite as clear, but I think they must have had a beach themed party or something).
We left Diggers at around 2:30, happy, inebriated, and laughing about our night. Sarah made a new friend, who she repeatedly called “Jeff” although that was not his name. He responded to it anyway. I think he was into her Hokey Pokey.
Janice McDuffee: Don't let the title fool you, this blog is not just about getting drunk—although usually in close association nevertheless. About me? I'm the Food and Drink editor at buzz (soon to be Arts Editor as well), about to act on the fantasies I've played out in my head throughout my college career. You can usually find me in downtown Champaign on the weekends, but you never know...
Comments
Janice (Janice) says:
(Posted March 11th, 2008 at 7:05 pm)
If that is Ms. Savoie, which I believe it is, you need to get a hold of me. It’s been a while.
sarah (sarah) says:
(Posted March 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 am)
from now on, I only hang out at DR Diggers!
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Buzz Magazine
Janice McDuffee
Don't let the title fool you, this blog is not just about getting drunk—although usually in close association nevertheless. About me? I'm the Food and Drink editor at buzz (soon to be Arts Editor as well), about to act on the fantasies I've played out in my head throughout my college career. You can usually find me in downtown Champaign on the weekends, but you never know...
Lindsey S. (Lindsey S.) says:
(Posted March 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm)
Woman, I love the way you write. Anyways, I enjoyed reading your blog…and yes…I will now have an RSS Feed to my Google Homepage. I’m very excited for your upcoming posts. Hope to see you soon! (I may be in town in a couple of weeks).