One of the things that I appreciate most in this world is good food. Sometimes the best food can come from the most surprising of sources. My favorite restaurant in Champaign-Urbana is located in downtown Urbana and, well, isn't actually a restaurant. It's a bar. Crane Alley is known as a rather loud, dim, poolhall, with an extensive beer selection. You walk in and see the TV's showing the latest sports games and think, "Eh, this is just a bar." But this is not just a bar. When you walk outside, you immediately realize that Crane Alley is named after a small alley adjacent to it. There are charming tables all along this otherwise would-be creepy alley and the twinkle lights are draped across the side of the building making it seem very festive.
I discovered Crane Alley because of its pool tables. My dad tried to teach me many skills as a kid, playing pool being one of them. To his disappointment, I didn't pick up the art of billiards, but instead one day when we went to Crane Alley (one of the more "kid-friendly" bars in town, if you could ever describe a bar as "kid-friendly") I ordered something off the menu. And let me tell you, it was delicious.
Since my days of learning how to play pool, I have been back to Crane Alley many a time. And I have to say, it is the one restaurant in town that I have never gotten a bad meal from. The food, albeit pretty traditional bar-food, is always made to perfection. But they have a new take on bar-food as well. For example, for a side, instead of fries or even their delicious sweet potato fries, you can get a quinoa salad. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong if you get any one of their scrumptious sandwiches. Not only do they have a great selection (from falafel to a burger) but every sandwich comes with fries. French fries are probably my favorite food. And whoever works in the kitchen at Crane Alley knows how to make me happy!
All in all, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone in the Champaign-Urbana area, especially if you're looking for something new to spice up your dining attractions. Crane Alley is definitely 100% awesome.
I like how you bridged your personal story about your dad teaching you pool at Crane Alley with your description of the place and why you like the food and atmosphere that it offers. When I drive through Champaign on a summer day, I notice dozens of these cozy café/bar spots with tables out in the sunshine. Urbana has very few, so it is nice to know about Crane Alley. You described it very well. I have never been there, but now it is on my list.
ReplyDeleteWow that's a really interesting story about playing pool with your father at Crane Alley! It really adds a new facet to the story.
ReplyDeleteIf you can get in under 18, I definitely have a new place to check out when I go out to eat next time!
I think the only restriction is you have to be with an adult after nine on weekends. Other than that under 21's are allowed, just not served alcohol (duh). It's seriously delicious guys. You should all try it!
ReplyDeleteI find the imagery you use to describe Crane Alley very appealing--a "dim poolhall" with lights strung outside is an interesting contrast that I think people of various ages and tastes could appreciate. I know my dad and brother are huge fans of the place, taking any chance they get to enjoy bottles of root beer and games of pool together, but I am yet to eat at Crane Alley! Reading this post is making me hungry, so I'll have to find time to try one of their falafel burgers soon :) I'm loving your blog so far, Ariana!
ReplyDeleteThey have some great vegetarian options, too, Gabby! You mention the falafel, which is awesome, but they also have lots of salads and two killer "burgers." Their black bean burger is my personal favorite, but most people I have found enjoy the portabello mushroom burger, which consists of a huge mushroom atop a toasty bun.
ReplyDeleteI love the portabello sandwich with sweet potato fries!
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