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• Food + Drink
• Farren's: A unique scene in a hidden downtown pub.

How does this sound? A bed of romaine lettuce topped with a juicy, grilled chicken breast, fresh strawberries, plump grapes, parmesan cheese and a tangy strawberry vinaigrette? What about tender steak, provolone cheese, grilled onions and mushrooms on a soft roll, served with hand-cut fries? These are just two of the tasty dishes served at Farren’s Pub and Eatery, 308 N. Randolph.

Tucked away in downtown Champaign, the entrance doors sit several feet behind the pub’s awning. It’s hard to tell where to enter, and even harder to tell what type of restaurant it is because it combines the atmosphere of a jazz club and a sports bar. But, it’s not hard to enjoy Farren’s comfortable setting, varied menu, reasonable prices, and fast and friendly service.

Farren’s Pub and Eatery is a small, dimly lit restaurant with an array of short and tall tables and chairs. The cooking area is adjacent to the bar, which has televisions at each end. Smooth sounds of jazz music play in the background, to help you relax and look over the menu.

Farren’s offer a variety of appetizers from buffalo wings and onion rings to scallops and cheese plates. Entrées include burgers, tacos, salads and sandwiches. The average price for meals is $7.50; and this pub does not skimp on their portions, so don’t worry so much about your wallet, but make sure you bring your appetite.

Farren’s also gives you 32oz. drinks for $1.75 and if you plan on sitting at the bar and watching a game, it’s not a bad idea because you will have a large selection of beer and wine to choose from. It won’t be hard to monitor your alcohol intake with glasses of wine averaging at $7, and beer around $4 and more.

Full and satisfied? Don’t forget to tip your waiters, they deserve it.