Bentley's Pub — Restaurant in Champaign

This place is mediocre and isn’t too friendly towards people especially women. The man at the door jumped tough with me (a woman) and then decided to play victim once he saw I wasn’t going to let him punk me. He didn’t want me to check on my friends outside the bar, mind you it’s a group of black women. They aren’t even loud or rude and didn’t cause any problems. When I got inside my buddies from a previous bar called me over, we exchanged a few words and giggles beforehand , so I wasn’t in a bad mood . He decided to get rude even after I communicated to him that I was just seeing if my group had decided to take off so I could alert my buddy that we needed to go after them or not. I never completely left the bar , I just poked my head out, not even letting anyone in and when someone from the group came into view I let them know I was just checking in on them and he begins to try to kick me out of the bar . The man invaded my personal space so I shoved him and he keeps blocking my way in creating a scene like I’m doing something wrong. This is before I was able to get a drink myself. I’m a nice tipper and I’m kind to everyone I come across. There’s many servers and bartenders of every race that know me in the area. The attitude seemed personal, and this isn’t the first time I came here and got off vibes, but I thought maybe the first time there was a bad day . This is only my 2nd visit and I won’t be back. Honestly I don’t encourage any black/brown people or women to spend their dollar there. Not if they’re going to pick fights and threaten to call the police just because a white man cried wolf. Mind you right after that I found a woman too drunk to stand a couple minutes after that and had to ensure that she got to safety and I didn’t know her from a can of paint. That could’ve been someone from my group. There’s a restaurant/bar down the street that cares about their patrons and they are never rude no matter your gender, race, or sexuality. Even the security at the door has basic decency. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. And to the white patron that had no idea what was going on but automatically assumed I was in the wrong because a white man was making it seem like I did something wrong you’re just as bad. I’ve heard the stories but I didn’t think I’d find out for myself. It sucks when you finally decide to explore the town you’ve been living in for over a year and get met with this...

Great pub, when you visit Champaign-Urbana, this is definitely one of the spots you have to go to! Loved the multible references to pop culture. They have a very unique drink they are well known for, too. Would definitely say it can be a great sociable place. However, the reason why this didn't get a full 5-star review was because of an experience I had with a person the bartender said was a regular. See, I was raised to be polite and respectful towards others. There are 2 bathrooms here, both 1 person use, unisex. Whenever I go to a bar that has these types of bathrooms, I will usually knock before entering because I don't want to accidentally enter the bathroom someone forgot to lock, nor offend them. I went to use the bathroom, knocked on the door, and tried to open it, and it was locked. Then the 1 person said, "Occupied." Ok, all good. I went to the other bathroom and did the same thing, knocked and tested the door handle, and it was locked. Then the other person says, "Hold on, almost done." Ok, still fine. I walked over back to the table I was sitting at to wait, and then the person from the second bathroom came out and returned to their table. Was just gonna walk back to the bathroom, but then the person started saying comments about someone kocking on the bathroom to their friends. One thing they said was, "Someone knocked on the bathroom when I was in there, who the hell knocks on a locked door when someone's in there!" I understood their viewpoint, but at the same time, it was a bit rude, unnecessary, and even made me feel uncomfortable a little. I have a rule with myself where if someone's being toxic, I turn around, walk away, and don't say anything. Sometimes, I don't even return to a place because of someone like that. But I don't want that to happen with this place. I really want to continue coming here and try to have a good time. I'm sure things will get better, but I will admit that if I'm hanging out there and I see this person walking in, I'll probably just pay my tab and leave. Please respect 1 another....

Had a pretty negative experience for a first time visit. The bar was empty short of 3 or 4 what appeared to be regulars(not uncommon for a Tuesday afternoon). The bar is fine, had a few craft Options on tap, and a decent cocktail menu. Our bartender was the majority of the negative experience. Upon ordering my second drink, the bartender made a comment, with a very sarcastic tone, thanking me that I “only paid the exact amount for my drink” it appeared to me they were making the comment that I didn’t tip on the order(like I did on the previous order)... mind you it was a draft beer. It was pretty clear from then on that the bartender was treating me differently than the three other patrons at the bar. The bartender sat on their phone behind the bar while my wife waited for another drink. It was only when 2 additional patrons walked in that the bartender got up to serve them. As they walked over, I made eye contact and asked if I could have another of my wife’s drink, before I finished the sentence, the bartender interjected with “I’ll get to you when I can” and walked away.. the bartenders attitude and comments to patrons were completely...