Guido's is ok. Pros: great burgers (even the vege burger is good), awesome fish sandwich on Fridays, one of the best outdoor seating locations in Chambana... Perfect for a leisurely and/or boozy lunch in the sun. Cons: Downstairs club gets a bit rough later on in the night...sides (ESP fruit and veges) on sandwiches not always fresh and service can be slow.
(3)
Brandon C.
This isn't a bad place. It's nice on the inside, the booths are spacious, but the menu is severely limited. There's a handful of appetizers, a few salads, and the rest is sandwiches and burgers. Nothing on the menu really stands out as being that special. I got the Reuben sandwich and it was fine. The bonus was the eggplant fries, they were pretty good. There's a decent beer selection (mostly in bottles, with some on tap). With its apparent shortcomings I plan on going back. This is the kind of place I could see myself hanging out at and having a few beers before moving on to other places for the night.
(3)
Shawna M.
One nice thing about this place is that there's plenty of place to sit inside during the summertime. That's about the only good thing I can think of offhand. I had the eggplant sandwich with steamed veggies. The veggies were great. The eggplant sandwich was awful. Soggy, flavorless, just plain gross. A friend ordered a burger and was very unimpressed. Flavorless and cold. And another friend got fries that were limp and frigid. The server seemed overwhelmed. We had to ask for water refills multiple times. The server took the orders for most of our table but not all of it. When she finally came back, she had no clue she hadn't gotten all the orders. All in all, I'm not dying to go back here anytime soon.
(2)
Mellissa K.
After always going to the bars on campus, this is certainly a change-up in downtown Champaign. A chill atmosphere, a lot more older people, townies. Just something different outside of the college town. It took forever to get our food, but I must say even with a very limited menu, the food was delicious. Typical greasy food, but the western burger was just really good. Surprisingly though the eggplant fries were amazingly delicious!. This was my first time trying eggplant fries, so good my friends and I had to get a second order! I would go here again, the prices aren't bad and the service could have been better, but when you're with people who make you laugh, it overshadows that. Go & try it out, even if it is just for the eggplant fries!
(3)
Brad S.
Service was good, and the place was big and clean. They have so much competition in town, and the food was greatly lacking. Prices were not cheap for the lousy food my group had. I will not be back.
(2)
Hannah D.
I came here with some friends to grab drinks and dinner. My friend and I arrived first, and we were still waiting for 3 more people. Our server came up and asked if we'd like anything other than water and I said I would and just needed a quick minute to look at the drink menu. She walked away and was nowhere to be found for about a half hour. Even after our friends showed up, we waited another 10-15 minutes. We finally got our drink order in and no one was ID'd (My friend is 21 and I am 23...we honestly should have been...), and then waited about 20 minutes for 5 beers. We luckily got our food order in at the same time and waited at least 30 minutes for that (and still, one of the dishes wasn't even ready and took extra time). Every time we wanted another drink, we had to wait 10 minutes to get the server's attention and then another 15-20 to actually get our drinks. Our server did not seem to be overly busy, wasn't at all in a rush, and never once apologized for the poor service/long wait. As a server in the area, I was very disappointed with the service my friends and I received and probably will not return here.
(1)
Judy E.
While nothing is particularly wrong with Guido's, it is not a place I go unless I am with a group. I only ever go there during the day as the crowd at night is a bit too annoying. Tends to be frequented by young (early 20s) looking to score. Not really my scene. For the food there are better burgers & sandwiches, better nachos, and better salads at the many other places downtown. The staff is very friendly and the prices very reasonable but again I can find that at most of the places downtown. During the summer it is nice to sit outside as they have a prime people watching location. Guido's is good for large groups.
(3)
Daniel T.
Came in, sat at the bar, tried to order a beer. Bartender didn't have the proper drink menu. Took him about five minutes to show the proper menu. Drinks are ordered and given to us. Didn't check on our status at all (e.g., how are the beers, need a refill). Overall, a horrible experience. No need to waste time here when there are so many other better choices, all of which have so much better service. To be fair, the bartender could have just been a jerk.
(1)
Anthony D.
My girlfriend and I enjoyed going here for half off draft beers on Wednesdays. Not only that, but the food was worth having and the staff was always very friendly. They have a great outdoor seating set up that allows you to take in the downtown environment.
(4)
Emily H.
Guidos was a disappointment in the service department. Our server waited on us apathetically and dressed in an inappropriate manner. If I had children, I would have had to shield their eyes:she had a black camisole without a bra. It was uncomfortable to have to converse with her. Even more egregious than her dress was her lack of awareness and concern for our dining experience. We waited for more than 45 minutes for our food, even though there were few customers at the restaurant. We had to acquire our own silverware and our own napkins. She did not ask once if we enjoyed our meal or if we needed anything else. It's very disappointing that so many restaurants fail due to the cancerous threat of poor service.
(1)
Tim J.
Going a few more times since last review, I think that the banality that is this place drags it out of the 3 stars range. If friends suggest Guido's, which they often do, because it is a vanilla compromise place, I cringe. I still go along, but my heels drag on the way there, and my feet get itchy after half a beer. There are a million places just like Guido's on the North Side of Chicago, and I think that a high proportion of the patrons here represent next year's crop of Chads and LP Trixies. Guido's isn't 100% a Campustown bar, but its on the way. Teej T.'s observation re: the crowd is 100% accurate, and unfortunately asshats like this are more the rule than the exception. Food is pretty decent, prices a little on the high side for pub grub, but a good value for lunch. The place gets pretty crowded on Thurs-Sat nites, and the service gets understandably slow then. Good, but stingily-portioned onion ring sides. I say if you're gonna upcharge me for onion rings, I want a lot of 'em. Objectively, the place is 'fine' in a ho-hum way. Subjectively, the intangible anti-culture, anti-intellectualism, anti-anything that is novel, interesting, and unique in favor of everything that is popular, faux-hawked, slutty, and top-40 brings this place down a peg.
(2)
David R.
This is a relatively classy place, not necessarily a college bar. At least, there was a fair mix of ages in here, and nobody even gave me dirty looks when I cheered vociferously for Penn State against the Illini during a Saturday-night game. It was lively but not crowded. They have dark red paint and cherry wood in here, which individually are quite handsome but do not match well together. In general, though, it's an attractive place with a mellow atmosphere. One detraction: the bathrooms are terrible, far worse than you would expect given the rest of the establishment. Service was friendly and attentive from our two waitresses. The first one could not name the bar's whiskeys besides "Jameson, Jack, Jim, Crown" (thankfully I ended up with Woodford Reserve) but give her credit for at least knowing what "whisk(e)y" is (you'd be surprised).
(3)
Paige D.
In general, I like Guidos. They have a good selection of bottled beer, and it's reasonably priced. I think their food is fine, I've taken my dad there before and we've definitely had worse meals in CU over the years. Hell-- I even think that some of their martinis are better than those at Boltini-- blasphemy, right? The bartenders have always been very nice, but I had one interaction with a waitress that was less than ideal-- I ordered La Fin du Monde, she brought me Lindeman's Framboise, I pointed out the error (they're polar opposites of the bottled alcohol spectrum, I didn't want to pay $8 for raspberry stuff) and she made a comment about how it's not like they could give it to someone else.. trend in DT champaign? But, she did bring me the right beer after I questioned her initial decision. Overall, I like going there to play pool on the quiet nights... on the weekends, I'd rather go somewhere else.
(3)
Marie C.
Came here for a beer with a few friends, not sure what all the hype is about.
(3)
Anne W.
I really like this place that I go nearly every weekend when I am in town. They used to have really hot waitresses so my guy friends would make me go all the time. There is no cover.. no lines.. busy and it's a posh place to hang out on the weekends. It's supposed to be a sports bar.. but it doesn't really have that feel. The drinks are also decent.. it's not watered down and the prices are reasonable. I like some of their food too. Best quesadillas in town. Nachos are pretty good too. Crab cakes are NOT good. I'm not a huge fan of the sandwiches.. but the fish sandwich special on Friday is okay.
(5)
John G.
Very disappointing tonight. I know it's pub food, so I didn't expect haute cuisine, but we hit on the evening (apparently) when seemingly half the menu, including the advertised special, are no longer being offered. I wouldn't even have minded this if we had been told when we were given our menus, but the server told us nothing about until we ordered all the wrong things. Service was slow and not terribly accurate, food was mediocre at best. I hate to pan a restaurant, but a good mood was impossible after this. Grateful that we have plenty of better options in downtown.
(1)
Paul D.
Just an average bar with slightly above average bar food. It is a nice atmosphere with an island bar and big booths around the perimeter. There is a nice patio outside as well. The service can be slow and uniformed at times, but nothing all that bad. Food is pub grub. Lots of burgers that are good. A few other sandwiches and some apps as well. Nothing is great, but certainly not bad. Some Bell's and Goose Island on tap, but not much else on that front. Nothing to go out of your way for, but a decent spot downtown.
(3)
Jason F.
I've been to Guido's three times for lunch. I've had a burger and fries all three times, all were cooked to perfection and really tasted great. The first time I went alone as I work nearby. I expected the experience to be pleasant, if not speedy, as I was on a short lunch break. For some reason, it took a while to get the burger and fries. The waitress was accommodating and polite, but it took way to long - like 30 minutes before I had the food. Second and third meals there were all great experiences with less trouble than the first. The burgers are really good and the fries become awesome with the queso added. Its a decent enough place for lunch. If they sped up the service I would likely eat there more often.
(3)
Chris M.
Great service.the server Chelsea was excellent.were from out of town staying at the hyatt.def will try to stop by again in the future :)
(4)
Deborah B.
Had lunch with a friend on a weekday! Despite all the bad reviews on service, it's fine on a weekday when the students are gone. Our waitress was very attentive. Burger and salad were good; I enjoyed the eggplant fries. Great weather and outdoor seating were the biggest plus!
(4)
Jennifer S.
4 stars for the food and boozy milkshake, and 0 star for service. I went on a slow Tuesday night, and the bartender AND barback were both so rude! The bartender literally THREW napkins at us after we got our food, never checked up on how our food/drinks are.
(2)
Jamie L.
I came here for a work happy hour and our group received substandard service. The server was unfamiliar with the beer list. Our group started as three and then grew to just 6. Not a large group and it was surprising when she was annoyed that the additional people that joined wanted to order food. It was only 6:30-7:00 on a Friday night, so we weren't putting anyone out as the place was fairly empty. This was my first visit and my last.
(2)
M B.
Probably more like 3.5. Listen, if you're looking for a fancy bar, you would know as soon as you walked in that this isn't it. I feel like some reviews here are punishing Guido's for being what it is: a place to grab decent burgers and bar food, beers, and maybe take a chance on a mixed drink. If you have a fancy drink request or want a specialty cocktail, perhaps you shouldn't go to a sports bar in a college town. That said, I've never been here late at night, and I could completely see this as begin a place that would have a vibe I'd hate at that time (again - college town, people, know what you're getting into), but coming here on a weekend during the day or right after work is nice, especially if you want to watch some games.
(3)
Allison G.
I had not been to Guido's for several years. When my work group came for happy hour, I was totally down. We received our menus and I asked if the draft beer menu was up to date. The waitress said yes and walked away. The menu listed 4 beers as seasonal. When she came back, I asked her what the seasonal beers were for Sam Adams, Bells, Leinenkugels, and Stone. She let me know that they didn't have any Bells or Sam Adams seasonal beers, but had Lienie Summer Shady and an Avery IPA available. The entire time, she was surly and annoyed with my questions. I just wanted to know what was on tap at your bar. Give me a break. After my drink, I left my group and had a wonderful experience at Radio Maria.
(1)
Dan M.
Mediocre to sub par. Great location is wasted on the below average food. Started out with simple chips/salsa. Salsa was out of a jar. Chips were restaurant supply, not fresh. Oh well..$4 I'll never get back. Wife had eggplant sandwich on the server recommendation. No flavor, nothing to write home about. Left half-eaten. I had the classic with cheese and bacon. Meat had no seasoning. Chinsy on the bacon. Wendy's classic has more flavor. Service was outstanding. Beer list was decent. Unimpressed and will not go back for food.
(2)
Matthew M.
Last time we came here, it was a busy Saturday night and after being seated, the staff had no idea. After waiting for 15 minutes, we notified the bouncer and had to wait an additional 5 minutes. At that point we left and still saw no sign of the waitress. 2 stars for half price drafts on Wednesday.
(2)
Josh M.
The food is very good, but I've been to lunch there three times and it always seems like they're training...everybody, management included. Slow service, screwed up orders, slow to get me my check. It's lunch time folks, I have to go back to work!
(2)
Alex W.
I was really impressed with Guido's. Couple of my friends that attend UIUC love dining off-campus here, and I can see why - fab food, affordable beer menu, great service. I was surprised to not have to wait for a table during the height of Saturday dinner rush. Once I sat down our waitress came by, gave me a water and took my beer order. Totally friendly and personable, she took good care of us [wish I could remember her name!]. The five of us were catching up and she seemed to have perfect timing for when to come by for drink refills/seeing how we're doing. I ended up with the Western burger and eggplant fries [thanks be to Yelp]. Totally in love with the entire meal. I'd never had an eggplant fry before and would come back just for a basket of those suckers. Definitely a cool place in an area that seems to be getting fairly hip.
(5)
Jay B.
Food just never up to par. Walk across the street to try something else. Good bar though.
(2)
Michaela K.
I go here a lot and usually love it. I've never been when it was busy and tonight I went for the first time on a busy night and was ignored for 15 minutes so I decided to leave. Very disappointing.
(2)
Kevin M.
Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon. Great service by Chelsea. Not a bad tap selection, still went with a lagunitas... (Get that stuff on draft). Nachos were out of this world. My wife had a Guido grilled cheese that was suggested and she loved it. The six year old had one of the best burgers I have ever had. Our next trip to ChampBana will include this place just to try an adult milkshake. Thank you for doing things the right way!
(4)
Christine P.
Excellent location. Great outdoor space. Servers are very friendly. Food is yummy, and they serve tator tots. Yum!!
(3)
Mark F.
Wallet was left there and when it was returned there was no cash. Could have been someone else who took it but i got a bad vibe from the staff.
(1)
David W.
Can you review a place based on 1 dish? If you come here for food, alright, the nachos are out of this world. Get em with meat and be prepared to eat nonstop for a while. I would rate the nachos at Guido's a 4-5 star dish The rest of the menu is just a real small variety of burgers and thats about it, and I don't remember it standing out or anything. JUST GET THE NACHOS As a bar, I came here and ordered a couple drinks and the waitress didn't know what a couple of them were so... yea.. I haven't been back to drink, but only to order dem nachos.
(3)
Ryan W.
The food is fantastic -- if you're willing to wait an hour for it after you've ordered. It was a busy night, and they were short staffed, I know. But if that was the case, I would have preferred that the server alert us to the expected delay. It's all reasonably priced. Almost every entree item was under $10. Everything is a burger or sandwich of some kind. There are a few salads, too. I would probably return, but I don't think I'll ever go on the weekend again. I expect faster service.
(2)
Tati B.
I am not from Champaign but Guido's has become one of my go-tos when we go out for dinner. I've been there so many times to eat and never had notably slow service. I love the food, their burgers are great and their eggplant fries are the bomb. I also am a huge fan of the fact that they serve dinner until midnight because that's hard to find in this area. Oh, and I think they have one of the best outdoor seating areas in summer.
(5)
Rachael C.
Came here during Pygmalion and the outside had plenty of seating open so we thought it would be great- it's in a prime people-watching location in downtown Champaign. Unfortunately the service was EXTREMELY slow. We waited 30 minutes for drinks and another hour on top of that for a couple of bean burgers that definitely weren't worth the wait. I have to say that the waitress was extremely nice and very apologetic about the wait, but it was seriously ridiculous. It's probably a good place to go if you've had a couple drinks already, aren't in ANY hurry and just want bar food. It was a definite bar-feel inside and like I said, good location for sitting outdoors. That was the appeal, but I won't waste my time again.
(1)
Valerie W.
3 stars for Guido's. No more, no less. The menu is very limited. I was surprised at how limited. Maybe we were there at an off time where they were in between lunch and dinner and that's the bar menu, I'm not sure, but it was small. On our table: Queso Nachos Teriyaki chicken sandwich Grilled cheese Both sandwiches came with "eggplant fries" as an upcharge. The queso and nachos "looked better than they tasted." The grilled cheese was standard. The teriyaki chicken sandwich was very salty and very dry. The eggplant fries stole the show. They were delicious, with a side of grainy honey mustard for dipping. They're probably the only thing I'd go back for. Also, if you want a cup of coffee (as my dad did) be aware that they use a Keurig, and therefore, charge by the cup. No free refills on your joe.
(3)
Madison W.
Easily the worst and most frustrating bar in town. Expect a 20 minute wait on a drink whether they're busy or not. Don't expect a smile from the bartender. Don't expect them to check on you when sitting at the bar... I couldn't even get a napkin with my dinner. The food I have had is actually really good, but I only ordered the basics like a grilled cheese and chips with salsa. It's not worth the ghastly staff, or frat boy rude customers. Just avoid at all costs.
(1)
Doug R.
Uh... No. If I wanted to hang out on campus and be eyeballed by frat boys looking for a fight, I'd go to Joe's or some other place like that. The food sucks. I don't drink anything but beer, so that's okay. Not my kind of place, and that is not Guido's fault. Verified family man just heading out for a cold beer that's all.
(1)
Adrienne S.
I go to Guido's occasionally and always have a great time. During the day it has a nice, laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to just sit and chill at the bar or watch football on the weekends. At night it gets more crowded and is a perfect place to grab drinks with friends or get some late night food. The food is fantastic for the price, especially the nachos! The martinis are also surprisingly good. Try the pumpkin martini; it is delicious and only $5!
(5)
Bill P.
Guido's is essentially all the douchebags from jersey shore in shitty champaign Illinois. The doorman (doesn't deserve to be called a bouncer) was an arrogant prick. Anyone who is visiting champaign, do not go here. You won't feel welcomed. I would have put 0 stars but Yelp is giving them the benefit of the doubt.
(1)
Zoe V.
I don't go here for the nightlife, so I can't speak to this place as a bar. As a lunch place, though, it's fantastic. There is always a place to sit, the service is fast and friendly, and they have a great menu that leans slightly towards the southwest. Their southwestern quesadilla with the cajun chicken is amazing. I don't usually like things with corn, roasted or no, but the whole thing is delicious and not laden with grease. The grilled tortilla is flavorful, as is the side cup of southwestern sour cream they give you to dip each bite in. Other good eats are their onion rings, Cobb salad (and it's under $9--cheap by my book), and Buffalo chicken. Bottom line, I dig Guido's.
(4)
Robert A.
.
(4)
David T.
Mediocre. The bar environment is okay in the evenings, and there's pool if you're into that sort of thing, but Jupiter's is better if you're looking for pool and food, and Esquire is better if you're looking for pool and booze. The bar looks okay, and drinks are priced reasonably, so there's that. My problem is the food. The chicken tenders are acceptable, if greasy, but the burger is indistinguishable from most other places in C-U. It's just so darn bland as a restaurant and a bar that it's not worth going to.
(2)
Bailey B.
I went here for a business meeting after a seminar. It was about 5pm, and sure, it was raining, but the lights were turned down really low, ready for the night crowd (although it seemed a little early for night time lighting). So I thought it was a little dark, but anyway... I had the bacon cheeseburger, and it was alright. I'd give it an average rating. You would think paying $8 for a bacon burger, they would put more than 2 skimpy slices of bacon on it. The fries were good though. They were the super skinny ones, sort of like Murphy's. I did not check out their beer selection, not because it was a business meeting, but I had serious studying to do after wards, so I can't comment on that aspect. I can see it being a good place for groups to go. Not sure what the night crowd is like. It's maybe a little fancy, but not required. Like, if you wanted to "go out" and "dress up" you could probably go here, but if you were in jeans and a t-shirt that would be okay too. Know what I mean? The waitress was nice, it has a large, open area, I think a pool table, and booths and tables along the perimeter. And outdoor seating.
(3)
A W.
I witnessed an amazing fight here, involving a beer glass and someone's eye. Guido's is awesome for men and women in their mid-40s who desire a social atmosphere comparable to Joe's Brewery.
(1)
kate c.
If you are in the mood for nachos, head here. Of course many other reviewers make good points, it's a weird crowd, it can be really loud, etc. All true. But the nachos are pretty delicious.
(3)
Deanna C.
Me likey. If you're looking for a nice, off campus bar, I suggest Guido's. It does get fairly crowded on weekend nights, but typically no line, and no cover, and the crowd that frequents this bar is fairly diverse. They have a wide selection of beers and great food which makes this place a good spot for lunch or dinner as well. The grilled chicken I got was really juicy and tasty - not the dry, flavorless, just out of the freezer stuff you'd usually find at other bars, and the nachos and quesadillas are yummy, cheesy, goodness. It's clean, spacious, great ambiance, and they have an outdoor patio for additional seating. Guido's is a great place to take out of town friends for a good time.
(4)
Tiffany H.
This is not a place to write home about for the food, but the daily drink specials are key. I dont remember them all but Tuesdays are 4 dollar LIT's, Thursdays are 2 dollar coors lite and miller lite bottles, and sundays are 5 dollar coors light pitchers. Obviously I could only remember the ones that appeal to me;) They also have two dart boards and two pool tables. I havent been there when it's crowded or when there are frat boys. So for me it was a place where you can chat with the friendly bartenders, play some pool/darts, and choose my own music from the juke box.
(3)
Rhonda G.
Cheap drink specials,no Effen, large space,odd crowd, big ass jager bombs! that's really all I can say about this place.
(3)
ariel g.
guidos has really good french fries. REALLY REALLY GOOD. like sneak them off your husband's plate when he's in the bathroom even though you already have your own good... ...but remember all those people you hated in high-school? the ones you figured would join a fraternity or sorority to try and legitimize the fact that they are drunk, mentally disturbed, and semi-literate? remember how you thought they'd all still be acting like jack-asses in their thirties? well, you were right, and i promise you, they are hanging out at guidos right now with five hundred of their best friends.
(1)
Lisa B.
I have been here twice on a Monday afternoon around 4:30 having a beer and nachos. I think the nachos are really good. We have always had great service and it's never crowded (because of the time obviously). However, I am not that impressed with anything. Maybe I should try more items and then write a review. But, I also got a ticket while parked in the metered parking lot. I know it's my fault for miscalculating but it still pisses me off.
(3)
RJ D.
waitresses in skin tight mini dresses. check. all the townie mid-90's uiuc frat alum. check. waiting forever to get your bill. being subsequently charged twice on your card. having to deal with your bank to get said charge reversed because the manager at guidos can't be bothered to call you back. check. check.... and.... check. the drinks are standard. the food is fair. the experience is forgettable. accept when you get your credit card statement. then you are reminded. sometimes twice.
(2)
Cat C.
What comes to mind when I think of Guido's? Three things: Nachos. Burgers. Want. Everything else about this place kinda fades into the background, for me at least. The decor and ambiance are nice enough, I suppose, though a bit on the dark side. But seriously - who cares? I'm there for the nachos anyway. These bad boys are listed under appetizer, but don't be fooled - the order is huuuuge and definitely could hold its own as an entree. If you're going to Guido's, get the nachos. End of story.
(4)
Aisha C.
I've had a mix of experiences here but one thing remains true: the Jack & Cokes are yummy (and I don't drink Jack) and the chicken quesadillas are amazing. It's an appetizer but as a meal, it's exactly what you need to accompany a beer or two. The sour cream, bacon, creamy whatever is delicious too. Service can be slow or they may ignore you depending on the time of day, but the food makes up for this 100%. And there's ample seating! One of my downtown haunts for sure.
(4)
James B.
While I had been to this place before and it was passable, I made the mistake of going on some "Jose Cuervo" day, when downtown Champaign was all blocked off. Even worse, I took my family. Tiny, overpriced menu, with heated-up pulled pork on a grocery store bun. Chips on the side. More than $7. My dad asked for a bottle of Miller Lite, they brought him a draft without checking if it was alright, and charged him for a bottle anyway. Inattentive waitress, despite the place being full of workers, we were left waiting a long time for pretty much anything we wanted. Truly awful, I will never be there again. Extorting your customers and ignoring their requests is not a good way to get repeat business.
(1)
Grimace B.
Usually will get drug here with co-workers every now and then. Very average, just passable food. Typical greasy food type of fair. A bit on the higher side price wise I think. $10 for a sandwich and fries. I hear at night the service, crowds can get pretty bad, but I've always went for lunch and generally the service/wait times were OK. Yes, not good, just OK. I would never go here if I had the choice, but if I was with a group and ended up here for food, I could probably find something to hold me over to my next meal without being too upset about it. All and all, this place is average at best.
(3)
Patrick B.
Outstanding food for the price, but the staff is clueless. Best onion rings in town. Everything on the menu is excellent. I take customers and job interviewees here all the time.
(4)
Chelsey S.
Decent food and service, but I can honestly say that this is rarely on my list of places to go. In fact, I only go here when the rest of the group insists. I'm not sure what it is, but it's just..."meh" to me. I can easily go across the street and feel a lot more at ease and get better food and drinks.
(2)
Robyn K.
Service was terrible. Place was half full and waitress told us she couldn't take our order. I had a BLT and my son had a club sandwich. We both got sick (throwing up) 2 hours after we are there. Very disappointing.
(1)
Heather T.
I like their decor, and I like their onion rings. I also like that getting blue cheese is an option for the burgers. Other than that, I was just not impressed. It was one of those non-busy times when there seem to be 10 bored waitresses milling around, but not one of them is actually helping you. It seriously took 10 minutes between being seated and seeing our waitress. Then our burger orders were mixed up. Then we didn't see our waitress until it was time to leave. It's also worth noting that while I may sometimes have the self-esteem and paranoia of a 13 year old emo girl, I really feel like the waitress was judging me. On a more food-related note, I was DEFINITELY unimpressed by the veggie burger. It was over-spiced with chili powder, which made my choice of blue cheese crumbles unappetizing. It seemed like it came out of a package, which could be true, but I've never had a bad Boca burger. Definitely not worth it for the price.
(2)
Brian A.
The only way this place gets three stars is because the service was good and our food was good. My wife and i went there for lunch. I got the chicken salad and fries. She got a veggie sandwich and onion rings. My sandwich was good and hers was ok. They were what they were. No frills. The veggie sandwich was just a plain veggie sandwich. The reason this place needs less stars is because I would liken it to a TGI Friday's or Chili's. There is just nothing that would set it apart from standard American fare. I am glad I just went there for lunch rather than dropping more money at dinner.
(3)
Rob L.
This place seemed to be the fun college hang out bar. The place where the frat boys come to hang out and scan the ladies up and down. I, am not a frat boy. I did not come here to hit on ladies. I felt old here. Though the bartender was nice and offered some suggestions to my friend on where he could meet some ladies to hook up with. Mercifully, I got to go back to the hotel and get myself to bed.
(3)
Sarah L.
Uggh I think Guido's is my favorite bar in champaign. The "uggh" is because my favorite place in champaign still has miller light girls wearing slutty referree outfits at football games. I'm pretty sure they have the best bloody mary's in town, and their pineapple upside down cake martini is more or less killer-- as are all their specialty cocktails, for that matter. Which is probably why if you go after 9PM, even if you are lucky enough to not have to stand in line, you almost definitely won't be able to get a table.
(4)
Jody C.
I really like the outdoor seating they have and the place is pretty big w/out having too much of a line. Good place if you're not a fan of typical campus bars. More townies and older people. Really bad name though
(4)
Teej T.
Absolutely unimpressed. The frat boys yelling and carrying on Saturday nights when I'm walking past don't make for good advertisements, guys, especially when one shouts, "Look at the fool with the fro" and points. ugh. Still, I decided to give Guido's a shot. I went for dinner after studying one night with some friends. The waitress was polite but chronically forgetful, and had to be asked multiple times for anything from water to silverware to condiments. The burger was...okay. The fries were disappointing. The crab cakes were dry and icky. I'm not coming back. And I'm certainly having my headphones in each time I pass the ever scintillating crowd on the weekends.
(2)
Jasmine L.
First bar experience, so it was alright. Wasn't expecting a whole lot. Burgers are amazing though (a bit overpriced, but OMG their special mayonnaise is sooo good). The service isn't great - my friend got the wrong order and the waitress was like "are you sure?".
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : DJ Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Matthew L.
Guido's is ok. Pros: great burgers (even the vege burger is good), awesome fish sandwich on Fridays, one of the best outdoor seating locations in Chambana... Perfect for a leisurely and/or boozy lunch in the sun. Cons: Downstairs club gets a bit rough later on in the night...sides (ESP fruit and veges) on sandwiches not always fresh and service can be slow.
(3)Brandon C.
This isn't a bad place. It's nice on the inside, the booths are spacious, but the menu is severely limited. There's a handful of appetizers, a few salads, and the rest is sandwiches and burgers. Nothing on the menu really stands out as being that special. I got the Reuben sandwich and it was fine. The bonus was the eggplant fries, they were pretty good. There's a decent beer selection (mostly in bottles, with some on tap). With its apparent shortcomings I plan on going back. This is the kind of place I could see myself hanging out at and having a few beers before moving on to other places for the night.
(3)Shawna M.
One nice thing about this place is that there's plenty of place to sit inside during the summertime. That's about the only good thing I can think of offhand. I had the eggplant sandwich with steamed veggies. The veggies were great. The eggplant sandwich was awful. Soggy, flavorless, just plain gross. A friend ordered a burger and was very unimpressed. Flavorless and cold. And another friend got fries that were limp and frigid. The server seemed overwhelmed. We had to ask for water refills multiple times. The server took the orders for most of our table but not all of it. When she finally came back, she had no clue she hadn't gotten all the orders. All in all, I'm not dying to go back here anytime soon.
(2)Mellissa K.
After always going to the bars on campus, this is certainly a change-up in downtown Champaign. A chill atmosphere, a lot more older people, townies. Just something different outside of the college town. It took forever to get our food, but I must say even with a very limited menu, the food was delicious. Typical greasy food, but the western burger was just really good. Surprisingly though the eggplant fries were amazingly delicious!. This was my first time trying eggplant fries, so good my friends and I had to get a second order! I would go here again, the prices aren't bad and the service could have been better, but when you're with people who make you laugh, it overshadows that. Go & try it out, even if it is just for the eggplant fries!
(3)Brad S.
Service was good, and the place was big and clean. They have so much competition in town, and the food was greatly lacking. Prices were not cheap for the lousy food my group had. I will not be back.
(2)Hannah D.
I came here with some friends to grab drinks and dinner. My friend and I arrived first, and we were still waiting for 3 more people. Our server came up and asked if we'd like anything other than water and I said I would and just needed a quick minute to look at the drink menu. She walked away and was nowhere to be found for about a half hour. Even after our friends showed up, we waited another 10-15 minutes. We finally got our drink order in and no one was ID'd (My friend is 21 and I am 23...we honestly should have been...), and then waited about 20 minutes for 5 beers. We luckily got our food order in at the same time and waited at least 30 minutes for that (and still, one of the dishes wasn't even ready and took extra time). Every time we wanted another drink, we had to wait 10 minutes to get the server's attention and then another 15-20 to actually get our drinks. Our server did not seem to be overly busy, wasn't at all in a rush, and never once apologized for the poor service/long wait. As a server in the area, I was very disappointed with the service my friends and I received and probably will not return here.
(1)Judy E.
While nothing is particularly wrong with Guido's, it is not a place I go unless I am with a group. I only ever go there during the day as the crowd at night is a bit too annoying. Tends to be frequented by young (early 20s) looking to score. Not really my scene. For the food there are better burgers & sandwiches, better nachos, and better salads at the many other places downtown. The staff is very friendly and the prices very reasonable but again I can find that at most of the places downtown. During the summer it is nice to sit outside as they have a prime people watching location. Guido's is good for large groups.
(3)Daniel T.
Came in, sat at the bar, tried to order a beer. Bartender didn't have the proper drink menu. Took him about five minutes to show the proper menu. Drinks are ordered and given to us. Didn't check on our status at all (e.g., how are the beers, need a refill). Overall, a horrible experience. No need to waste time here when there are so many other better choices, all of which have so much better service. To be fair, the bartender could have just been a jerk.
(1)Anthony D.
My girlfriend and I enjoyed going here for half off draft beers on Wednesdays. Not only that, but the food was worth having and the staff was always very friendly. They have a great outdoor seating set up that allows you to take in the downtown environment.
(4)Emily H.
Guidos was a disappointment in the service department. Our server waited on us apathetically and dressed in an inappropriate manner. If I had children, I would have had to shield their eyes:she had a black camisole without a bra. It was uncomfortable to have to converse with her. Even more egregious than her dress was her lack of awareness and concern for our dining experience. We waited for more than 45 minutes for our food, even though there were few customers at the restaurant. We had to acquire our own silverware and our own napkins. She did not ask once if we enjoyed our meal or if we needed anything else. It's very disappointing that so many restaurants fail due to the cancerous threat of poor service.
(1)Tim J.
Going a few more times since last review, I think that the banality that is this place drags it out of the 3 stars range. If friends suggest Guido's, which they often do, because it is a vanilla compromise place, I cringe. I still go along, but my heels drag on the way there, and my feet get itchy after half a beer. There are a million places just like Guido's on the North Side of Chicago, and I think that a high proportion of the patrons here represent next year's crop of Chads and LP Trixies. Guido's isn't 100% a Campustown bar, but its on the way. Teej T.'s observation re: the crowd is 100% accurate, and unfortunately asshats like this are more the rule than the exception. Food is pretty decent, prices a little on the high side for pub grub, but a good value for lunch. The place gets pretty crowded on Thurs-Sat nites, and the service gets understandably slow then. Good, but stingily-portioned onion ring sides. I say if you're gonna upcharge me for onion rings, I want a lot of 'em. Objectively, the place is 'fine' in a ho-hum way. Subjectively, the intangible anti-culture, anti-intellectualism, anti-anything that is novel, interesting, and unique in favor of everything that is popular, faux-hawked, slutty, and top-40 brings this place down a peg.
(2)David R.
This is a relatively classy place, not necessarily a college bar. At least, there was a fair mix of ages in here, and nobody even gave me dirty looks when I cheered vociferously for Penn State against the Illini during a Saturday-night game. It was lively but not crowded. They have dark red paint and cherry wood in here, which individually are quite handsome but do not match well together. In general, though, it's an attractive place with a mellow atmosphere. One detraction: the bathrooms are terrible, far worse than you would expect given the rest of the establishment. Service was friendly and attentive from our two waitresses. The first one could not name the bar's whiskeys besides "Jameson, Jack, Jim, Crown" (thankfully I ended up with Woodford Reserve) but give her credit for at least knowing what "whisk(e)y" is (you'd be surprised).
(3)Paige D.
In general, I like Guidos. They have a good selection of bottled beer, and it's reasonably priced. I think their food is fine, I've taken my dad there before and we've definitely had worse meals in CU over the years. Hell-- I even think that some of their martinis are better than those at Boltini-- blasphemy, right? The bartenders have always been very nice, but I had one interaction with a waitress that was less than ideal-- I ordered La Fin du Monde, she brought me Lindeman's Framboise, I pointed out the error (they're polar opposites of the bottled alcohol spectrum, I didn't want to pay $8 for raspberry stuff) and she made a comment about how it's not like they could give it to someone else.. trend in DT champaign? But, she did bring me the right beer after I questioned her initial decision. Overall, I like going there to play pool on the quiet nights... on the weekends, I'd rather go somewhere else.
(3)Marie C.
Came here for a beer with a few friends, not sure what all the hype is about.
(3)Anne W.
I really like this place that I go nearly every weekend when I am in town. They used to have really hot waitresses so my guy friends would make me go all the time. There is no cover.. no lines.. busy and it's a posh place to hang out on the weekends. It's supposed to be a sports bar.. but it doesn't really have that feel. The drinks are also decent.. it's not watered down and the prices are reasonable. I like some of their food too. Best quesadillas in town. Nachos are pretty good too. Crab cakes are NOT good. I'm not a huge fan of the sandwiches.. but the fish sandwich special on Friday is okay.
(5)John G.
Very disappointing tonight. I know it's pub food, so I didn't expect haute cuisine, but we hit on the evening (apparently) when seemingly half the menu, including the advertised special, are no longer being offered. I wouldn't even have minded this if we had been told when we were given our menus, but the server told us nothing about until we ordered all the wrong things. Service was slow and not terribly accurate, food was mediocre at best. I hate to pan a restaurant, but a good mood was impossible after this. Grateful that we have plenty of better options in downtown.
(1)Paul D.
Just an average bar with slightly above average bar food. It is a nice atmosphere with an island bar and big booths around the perimeter. There is a nice patio outside as well. The service can be slow and uniformed at times, but nothing all that bad. Food is pub grub. Lots of burgers that are good. A few other sandwiches and some apps as well. Nothing is great, but certainly not bad. Some Bell's and Goose Island on tap, but not much else on that front. Nothing to go out of your way for, but a decent spot downtown.
(3)Jason F.
I've been to Guido's three times for lunch. I've had a burger and fries all three times, all were cooked to perfection and really tasted great. The first time I went alone as I work nearby. I expected the experience to be pleasant, if not speedy, as I was on a short lunch break. For some reason, it took a while to get the burger and fries. The waitress was accommodating and polite, but it took way to long - like 30 minutes before I had the food. Second and third meals there were all great experiences with less trouble than the first. The burgers are really good and the fries become awesome with the queso added. Its a decent enough place for lunch. If they sped up the service I would likely eat there more often.
(3)Chris M.
Great service.the server Chelsea was excellent.were from out of town staying at the hyatt.def will try to stop by again in the future :)
(4)Deborah B.
Had lunch with a friend on a weekday! Despite all the bad reviews on service, it's fine on a weekday when the students are gone. Our waitress was very attentive. Burger and salad were good; I enjoyed the eggplant fries. Great weather and outdoor seating were the biggest plus!
(4)Jennifer S.
4 stars for the food and boozy milkshake, and 0 star for service. I went on a slow Tuesday night, and the bartender AND barback were both so rude! The bartender literally THREW napkins at us after we got our food, never checked up on how our food/drinks are.
(2)Jamie L.
I came here for a work happy hour and our group received substandard service. The server was unfamiliar with the beer list. Our group started as three and then grew to just 6. Not a large group and it was surprising when she was annoyed that the additional people that joined wanted to order food. It was only 6:30-7:00 on a Friday night, so we weren't putting anyone out as the place was fairly empty. This was my first visit and my last.
(2)M B.
Probably more like 3.5. Listen, if you're looking for a fancy bar, you would know as soon as you walked in that this isn't it. I feel like some reviews here are punishing Guido's for being what it is: a place to grab decent burgers and bar food, beers, and maybe take a chance on a mixed drink. If you have a fancy drink request or want a specialty cocktail, perhaps you shouldn't go to a sports bar in a college town. That said, I've never been here late at night, and I could completely see this as begin a place that would have a vibe I'd hate at that time (again - college town, people, know what you're getting into), but coming here on a weekend during the day or right after work is nice, especially if you want to watch some games.
(3)Allison G.
I had not been to Guido's for several years. When my work group came for happy hour, I was totally down. We received our menus and I asked if the draft beer menu was up to date. The waitress said yes and walked away. The menu listed 4 beers as seasonal. When she came back, I asked her what the seasonal beers were for Sam Adams, Bells, Leinenkugels, and Stone. She let me know that they didn't have any Bells or Sam Adams seasonal beers, but had Lienie Summer Shady and an Avery IPA available. The entire time, she was surly and annoyed with my questions. I just wanted to know what was on tap at your bar. Give me a break. After my drink, I left my group and had a wonderful experience at Radio Maria.
(1)Dan M.
Mediocre to sub par. Great location is wasted on the below average food. Started out with simple chips/salsa. Salsa was out of a jar. Chips were restaurant supply, not fresh. Oh well..$4 I'll never get back. Wife had eggplant sandwich on the server recommendation. No flavor, nothing to write home about. Left half-eaten. I had the classic with cheese and bacon. Meat had no seasoning. Chinsy on the bacon. Wendy's classic has more flavor. Service was outstanding. Beer list was decent. Unimpressed and will not go back for food.
(2)Matthew M.
Last time we came here, it was a busy Saturday night and after being seated, the staff had no idea. After waiting for 15 minutes, we notified the bouncer and had to wait an additional 5 minutes. At that point we left and still saw no sign of the waitress. 2 stars for half price drafts on Wednesday.
(2)Josh M.
The food is very good, but I've been to lunch there three times and it always seems like they're training...everybody, management included. Slow service, screwed up orders, slow to get me my check. It's lunch time folks, I have to go back to work!
(2)Alex W.
I was really impressed with Guido's. Couple of my friends that attend UIUC love dining off-campus here, and I can see why - fab food, affordable beer menu, great service. I was surprised to not have to wait for a table during the height of Saturday dinner rush. Once I sat down our waitress came by, gave me a water and took my beer order. Totally friendly and personable, she took good care of us [wish I could remember her name!]. The five of us were catching up and she seemed to have perfect timing for when to come by for drink refills/seeing how we're doing. I ended up with the Western burger and eggplant fries [thanks be to Yelp]. Totally in love with the entire meal. I'd never had an eggplant fry before and would come back just for a basket of those suckers. Definitely a cool place in an area that seems to be getting fairly hip.
(5)Jay B.
Food just never up to par. Walk across the street to try something else. Good bar though.
(2)Michaela K.
I go here a lot and usually love it. I've never been when it was busy and tonight I went for the first time on a busy night and was ignored for 15 minutes so I decided to leave. Very disappointing.
(2)Kevin M.
Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon. Great service by Chelsea. Not a bad tap selection, still went with a lagunitas... (Get that stuff on draft). Nachos were out of this world. My wife had a Guido grilled cheese that was suggested and she loved it. The six year old had one of the best burgers I have ever had. Our next trip to ChampBana will include this place just to try an adult milkshake. Thank you for doing things the right way!
(4)Christine P.
Excellent location. Great outdoor space. Servers are very friendly. Food is yummy, and they serve tator tots. Yum!!
(3)Mark F.
Wallet was left there and when it was returned there was no cash. Could have been someone else who took it but i got a bad vibe from the staff.
(1)David W.
Can you review a place based on 1 dish? If you come here for food, alright, the nachos are out of this world. Get em with meat and be prepared to eat nonstop for a while. I would rate the nachos at Guido's a 4-5 star dish The rest of the menu is just a real small variety of burgers and thats about it, and I don't remember it standing out or anything. JUST GET THE NACHOS As a bar, I came here and ordered a couple drinks and the waitress didn't know what a couple of them were so... yea.. I haven't been back to drink, but only to order dem nachos.
(3)Ryan W.
The food is fantastic -- if you're willing to wait an hour for it after you've ordered. It was a busy night, and they were short staffed, I know. But if that was the case, I would have preferred that the server alert us to the expected delay. It's all reasonably priced. Almost every entree item was under $10. Everything is a burger or sandwich of some kind. There are a few salads, too. I would probably return, but I don't think I'll ever go on the weekend again. I expect faster service.
(2)Tati B.
I am not from Champaign but Guido's has become one of my go-tos when we go out for dinner. I've been there so many times to eat and never had notably slow service. I love the food, their burgers are great and their eggplant fries are the bomb. I also am a huge fan of the fact that they serve dinner until midnight because that's hard to find in this area. Oh, and I think they have one of the best outdoor seating areas in summer.
(5)Rachael C.
Came here during Pygmalion and the outside had plenty of seating open so we thought it would be great- it's in a prime people-watching location in downtown Champaign. Unfortunately the service was EXTREMELY slow. We waited 30 minutes for drinks and another hour on top of that for a couple of bean burgers that definitely weren't worth the wait. I have to say that the waitress was extremely nice and very apologetic about the wait, but it was seriously ridiculous. It's probably a good place to go if you've had a couple drinks already, aren't in ANY hurry and just want bar food. It was a definite bar-feel inside and like I said, good location for sitting outdoors. That was the appeal, but I won't waste my time again.
(1)Valerie W.
3 stars for Guido's. No more, no less. The menu is very limited. I was surprised at how limited. Maybe we were there at an off time where they were in between lunch and dinner and that's the bar menu, I'm not sure, but it was small. On our table: Queso Nachos Teriyaki chicken sandwich Grilled cheese Both sandwiches came with "eggplant fries" as an upcharge. The queso and nachos "looked better than they tasted." The grilled cheese was standard. The teriyaki chicken sandwich was very salty and very dry. The eggplant fries stole the show. They were delicious, with a side of grainy honey mustard for dipping. They're probably the only thing I'd go back for. Also, if you want a cup of coffee (as my dad did) be aware that they use a Keurig, and therefore, charge by the cup. No free refills on your joe.
(3)Madison W.
Easily the worst and most frustrating bar in town. Expect a 20 minute wait on a drink whether they're busy or not. Don't expect a smile from the bartender. Don't expect them to check on you when sitting at the bar... I couldn't even get a napkin with my dinner. The food I have had is actually really good, but I only ordered the basics like a grilled cheese and chips with salsa. It's not worth the ghastly staff, or frat boy rude customers. Just avoid at all costs.
(1)Doug R.
Uh... No. If I wanted to hang out on campus and be eyeballed by frat boys looking for a fight, I'd go to Joe's or some other place like that. The food sucks. I don't drink anything but beer, so that's okay. Not my kind of place, and that is not Guido's fault. Verified family man just heading out for a cold beer that's all.
(1)Adrienne S.
I go to Guido's occasionally and always have a great time. During the day it has a nice, laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to just sit and chill at the bar or watch football on the weekends. At night it gets more crowded and is a perfect place to grab drinks with friends or get some late night food. The food is fantastic for the price, especially the nachos! The martinis are also surprisingly good. Try the pumpkin martini; it is delicious and only $5!
(5)Bill P.
Guido's is essentially all the douchebags from jersey shore in shitty champaign Illinois. The doorman (doesn't deserve to be called a bouncer) was an arrogant prick. Anyone who is visiting champaign, do not go here. You won't feel welcomed. I would have put 0 stars but Yelp is giving them the benefit of the doubt.
(1)Zoe V.
I don't go here for the nightlife, so I can't speak to this place as a bar. As a lunch place, though, it's fantastic. There is always a place to sit, the service is fast and friendly, and they have a great menu that leans slightly towards the southwest. Their southwestern quesadilla with the cajun chicken is amazing. I don't usually like things with corn, roasted or no, but the whole thing is delicious and not laden with grease. The grilled tortilla is flavorful, as is the side cup of southwestern sour cream they give you to dip each bite in. Other good eats are their onion rings, Cobb salad (and it's under $9--cheap by my book), and Buffalo chicken. Bottom line, I dig Guido's.
(4)Robert A.
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(4)David T.
Mediocre. The bar environment is okay in the evenings, and there's pool if you're into that sort of thing, but Jupiter's is better if you're looking for pool and food, and Esquire is better if you're looking for pool and booze. The bar looks okay, and drinks are priced reasonably, so there's that. My problem is the food. The chicken tenders are acceptable, if greasy, but the burger is indistinguishable from most other places in C-U. It's just so darn bland as a restaurant and a bar that it's not worth going to.
(2)Bailey B.
I went here for a business meeting after a seminar. It was about 5pm, and sure, it was raining, but the lights were turned down really low, ready for the night crowd (although it seemed a little early for night time lighting). So I thought it was a little dark, but anyway... I had the bacon cheeseburger, and it was alright. I'd give it an average rating. You would think paying $8 for a bacon burger, they would put more than 2 skimpy slices of bacon on it. The fries were good though. They were the super skinny ones, sort of like Murphy's. I did not check out their beer selection, not because it was a business meeting, but I had serious studying to do after wards, so I can't comment on that aspect. I can see it being a good place for groups to go. Not sure what the night crowd is like. It's maybe a little fancy, but not required. Like, if you wanted to "go out" and "dress up" you could probably go here, but if you were in jeans and a t-shirt that would be okay too. Know what I mean? The waitress was nice, it has a large, open area, I think a pool table, and booths and tables along the perimeter. And outdoor seating.
(3)A W.
I witnessed an amazing fight here, involving a beer glass and someone's eye. Guido's is awesome for men and women in their mid-40s who desire a social atmosphere comparable to Joe's Brewery.
(1)kate c.
If you are in the mood for nachos, head here. Of course many other reviewers make good points, it's a weird crowd, it can be really loud, etc. All true. But the nachos are pretty delicious.
(3)Deanna C.
Me likey. If you're looking for a nice, off campus bar, I suggest Guido's. It does get fairly crowded on weekend nights, but typically no line, and no cover, and the crowd that frequents this bar is fairly diverse. They have a wide selection of beers and great food which makes this place a good spot for lunch or dinner as well. The grilled chicken I got was really juicy and tasty - not the dry, flavorless, just out of the freezer stuff you'd usually find at other bars, and the nachos and quesadillas are yummy, cheesy, goodness. It's clean, spacious, great ambiance, and they have an outdoor patio for additional seating. Guido's is a great place to take out of town friends for a good time.
(4)Tiffany H.
This is not a place to write home about for the food, but the daily drink specials are key. I dont remember them all but Tuesdays are 4 dollar LIT's, Thursdays are 2 dollar coors lite and miller lite bottles, and sundays are 5 dollar coors light pitchers. Obviously I could only remember the ones that appeal to me;) They also have two dart boards and two pool tables. I havent been there when it's crowded or when there are frat boys. So for me it was a place where you can chat with the friendly bartenders, play some pool/darts, and choose my own music from the juke box.
(3)Rhonda G.
Cheap drink specials,no Effen, large space,odd crowd, big ass jager bombs! that's really all I can say about this place.
(3)ariel g.
guidos has really good french fries. REALLY REALLY GOOD. like sneak them off your husband's plate when he's in the bathroom even though you already have your own good... ...but remember all those people you hated in high-school? the ones you figured would join a fraternity or sorority to try and legitimize the fact that they are drunk, mentally disturbed, and semi-literate? remember how you thought they'd all still be acting like jack-asses in their thirties? well, you were right, and i promise you, they are hanging out at guidos right now with five hundred of their best friends.
(1)Lisa B.
I have been here twice on a Monday afternoon around 4:30 having a beer and nachos. I think the nachos are really good. We have always had great service and it's never crowded (because of the time obviously). However, I am not that impressed with anything. Maybe I should try more items and then write a review. But, I also got a ticket while parked in the metered parking lot. I know it's my fault for miscalculating but it still pisses me off.
(3)RJ D.
waitresses in skin tight mini dresses. check. all the townie mid-90's uiuc frat alum. check. waiting forever to get your bill. being subsequently charged twice on your card. having to deal with your bank to get said charge reversed because the manager at guidos can't be bothered to call you back. check. check.... and.... check. the drinks are standard. the food is fair. the experience is forgettable. accept when you get your credit card statement. then you are reminded. sometimes twice.
(2)Cat C.
What comes to mind when I think of Guido's? Three things: Nachos. Burgers. Want. Everything else about this place kinda fades into the background, for me at least. The decor and ambiance are nice enough, I suppose, though a bit on the dark side. But seriously - who cares? I'm there for the nachos anyway. These bad boys are listed under appetizer, but don't be fooled - the order is huuuuge and definitely could hold its own as an entree. If you're going to Guido's, get the nachos. End of story.
(4)Aisha C.
I've had a mix of experiences here but one thing remains true: the Jack & Cokes are yummy (and I don't drink Jack) and the chicken quesadillas are amazing. It's an appetizer but as a meal, it's exactly what you need to accompany a beer or two. The sour cream, bacon, creamy whatever is delicious too. Service can be slow or they may ignore you depending on the time of day, but the food makes up for this 100%. And there's ample seating! One of my downtown haunts for sure.
(4)James B.
While I had been to this place before and it was passable, I made the mistake of going on some "Jose Cuervo" day, when downtown Champaign was all blocked off. Even worse, I took my family. Tiny, overpriced menu, with heated-up pulled pork on a grocery store bun. Chips on the side. More than $7. My dad asked for a bottle of Miller Lite, they brought him a draft without checking if it was alright, and charged him for a bottle anyway. Inattentive waitress, despite the place being full of workers, we were left waiting a long time for pretty much anything we wanted. Truly awful, I will never be there again. Extorting your customers and ignoring their requests is not a good way to get repeat business.
(1)Grimace B.
Usually will get drug here with co-workers every now and then. Very average, just passable food. Typical greasy food type of fair. A bit on the higher side price wise I think. $10 for a sandwich and fries. I hear at night the service, crowds can get pretty bad, but I've always went for lunch and generally the service/wait times were OK. Yes, not good, just OK. I would never go here if I had the choice, but if I was with a group and ended up here for food, I could probably find something to hold me over to my next meal without being too upset about it. All and all, this place is average at best.
(3)Patrick B.
Outstanding food for the price, but the staff is clueless. Best onion rings in town. Everything on the menu is excellent. I take customers and job interviewees here all the time.
(4)Chelsey S.
Decent food and service, but I can honestly say that this is rarely on my list of places to go. In fact, I only go here when the rest of the group insists. I'm not sure what it is, but it's just..."meh" to me. I can easily go across the street and feel a lot more at ease and get better food and drinks.
(2)Robyn K.
Service was terrible. Place was half full and waitress told us she couldn't take our order. I had a BLT and my son had a club sandwich. We both got sick (throwing up) 2 hours after we are there. Very disappointing.
(1)Heather T.
I like their decor, and I like their onion rings. I also like that getting blue cheese is an option for the burgers. Other than that, I was just not impressed. It was one of those non-busy times when there seem to be 10 bored waitresses milling around, but not one of them is actually helping you. It seriously took 10 minutes between being seated and seeing our waitress. Then our burger orders were mixed up. Then we didn't see our waitress until it was time to leave. It's also worth noting that while I may sometimes have the self-esteem and paranoia of a 13 year old emo girl, I really feel like the waitress was judging me. On a more food-related note, I was DEFINITELY unimpressed by the veggie burger. It was over-spiced with chili powder, which made my choice of blue cheese crumbles unappetizing. It seemed like it came out of a package, which could be true, but I've never had a bad Boca burger. Definitely not worth it for the price.
(2)Brian A.
The only way this place gets three stars is because the service was good and our food was good. My wife and i went there for lunch. I got the chicken salad and fries. She got a veggie sandwich and onion rings. My sandwich was good and hers was ok. They were what they were. No frills. The veggie sandwich was just a plain veggie sandwich. The reason this place needs less stars is because I would liken it to a TGI Friday's or Chili's. There is just nothing that would set it apart from standard American fare. I am glad I just went there for lunch rather than dropping more money at dinner.
(3)Rob L.
This place seemed to be the fun college hang out bar. The place where the frat boys come to hang out and scan the ladies up and down. I, am not a frat boy. I did not come here to hit on ladies. I felt old here. Though the bartender was nice and offered some suggestions to my friend on where he could meet some ladies to hook up with. Mercifully, I got to go back to the hotel and get myself to bed.
(3)Sarah L.
Uggh I think Guido's is my favorite bar in champaign. The "uggh" is because my favorite place in champaign still has miller light girls wearing slutty referree outfits at football games. I'm pretty sure they have the best bloody mary's in town, and their pineapple upside down cake martini is more or less killer-- as are all their specialty cocktails, for that matter. Which is probably why if you go after 9PM, even if you are lucky enough to not have to stand in line, you almost definitely won't be able to get a table.
(4)Jody C.
I really like the outdoor seating they have and the place is pretty big w/out having too much of a line. Good place if you're not a fan of typical campus bars. More townies and older people. Really bad name though
(4)Teej T.
Absolutely unimpressed. The frat boys yelling and carrying on Saturday nights when I'm walking past don't make for good advertisements, guys, especially when one shouts, "Look at the fool with the fro" and points. ugh. Still, I decided to give Guido's a shot. I went for dinner after studying one night with some friends. The waitress was polite but chronically forgetful, and had to be asked multiple times for anything from water to silverware to condiments. The burger was...okay. The fries were disappointing. The crab cakes were dry and icky. I'm not coming back. And I'm certainly having my headphones in each time I pass the ever scintillating crowd on the weekends.
(2)Jasmine L.
First bar experience, so it was alright. Wasn't expecting a whole lot. Burgers are amazing though (a bit overpriced, but OMG their special mayonnaise is sooo good). The service isn't great - my friend got the wrong order and the waitress was like "are you sure?".
(3)