Anish Gupta
The Best Multi-Level Vibe in Downtown Champaign
After visiting Barrelhouse 34 several times, it has easily become one of my go-to recommendations in the downtown area. Whether you’re looking for a cozy indoor corner or a breath of fresh air, this place has the footprint to accommodate any mood.
The Highlights:
• Unbeatable Layout: They have a massive amount of space. Between the main bar, the outdoor patio, and the rooftop terrace, you never feel cramped. The terrace is a huge plus during the warmer months!
• Perfectly Balanced Drinks: It’s easy to mess up a Long Island Iced Tea, but they make theirs perfectly—strong but smooth. The bartenders here clearly know what they’re doing.
• Entertainment: If you’re not just there to sit and talk, they have darts available, which adds a great social element to the night.
… moreIvan Pazmino
We went on Saturday 03/7/2026 around 4 pm and one of the bartenders name Cody gill was EXTREMELY rude and hostile towards us for no reason and the workers were encouraging his behavior. We felt very unwelcome and uncomfortable and will not be back. I wouldn’t recommend this place at all.
… moreElena LlP
If you’re a tourist Don’t ever go there. Even thought Illinois State law says that if you’re older than 21 they have to accept any valid from of identification including foreign ones, they didn’t want to sell us a beer, and we are 42 and 49 years old, and we presented the waitres a valid European ID, with picture and bday date clearly presented. Just walk Down the street to Esquire, much more pleasant ambience and servers.
… moreRiya Royal
Great place with a lovely rustic atmosphere. Unfortunately it was too cold to sit outside but I imagine that would be great. It was extremely packed inside and it took us a while to find a table but many people were standing. On Thursdays they have an $8 big barrel deal which is great! They did run out of the barrel mugs very quickly though. Glad I gave this place a visit.
… moreHector Martinez
This bar has a good indoor atmosphere and a great beer and liquor selection. It also has a great outdoor patio and an awesome rooftop patio! Great location too.
… moreBrian Black
Cool place. The rooftop patio is great. You can usually find a good IPA here.
… moreOren Cohen
Pretty cool bar. Lots of draft beers and good whisky. Not crowded on weekdays. The rooftop is awsome as well.
… moreP (K)
A nice place to get drinks and hang out with friends
… moreLaura R
I have never written a review before and I hesitated writing this one but I am hoping some proper training will occur for the bartenders. My friend and I visited on Jan 28 and there was a girl at the bar who had been drinking and was very friendly, we chatted with her then went to a table. We noticed her chatting with other people and then she joined a group of people at a table. She got up to go to the bathroom and they left and went to a different table. She looked so sad so we called her over to talk to her. She was drunk so we were asking her how she was getting home, making sure she was not driving. There had been a bartender shift and the new bartender came over and told her she needed to leave. She asked why and was told she had drank too much. We told the bartender that we were leaving and planning on taking her home. She told us she needed to leave now. We made sure she had paid and we were heading to the door but stopped to ask her where she lived and look it up before getting her in our car. The bartender came over, was on the phone getting guidance ( I assume) and aggressively told her she needed to leave now! We said we are getting her out of here but we are getting her address. She again said she needs to leave now or I am calling the police! We asked her what the problem was, we are leaving. She said she has had too much to drink and needs to get out. We asked why she kept being served and her response was that she didn’t do it. Well, your establishment did! She couldn’t even give us time to get her address, being told to leave to threatening police happened in less than 10 minutes. The aggressive behavior of the bartender was very unsettling and we felt like we were getting kicked out too. The only thing we were doing was trying to help the woman that you over served! I hate to think what could have happened to this poor woman. She was drunk but not unruly, if anything she might have been a little annoying and too friendly. We got her safely home but wondered why the bar she drank too much at did not care about her. They could have cut her off and offered her water, even call her an uber. Where was the decency for a fellow human being? I like this bar but I don’t know if I will ever go back to a place that cares so little for their patrons.
… moreGrace Dougin
Highly recommend coming here on a warm summer evening to sit on the roof with some friends. Super lively atmosphere.
Only place I’ve been to that has a White Russian (albeit it was in a can.) Still, think it’s a testament to their variety of cocktails.
It was the girl’s first day that was serving us, and she did wonderful 🙂
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