Punch! Bar & Lounge — Restaurant in Champaign

Looking through reviews for a cocktail lounge in Champaign-Urbana was frustrating. College towns will have a ton of pubs and taverns, but finding an urbane lounge can be the proverbial “needle in a cornfield” in central Illinois. Some think this is the Illinoise part of Illinois. That Punch was located in a Hyatt Place hotel lowered my expectations and raised my eyebrows. The opposite occurred when I stepped off the street into the sophisticated space. Punch was metropolitan with big city suave.

Jonathan, our bartender and guide, navigated me through the incredible Mezcal list. Huh, what, a Champaign, Illinois bar has one of the best liquor selections in the Midwest? That’s the truth, and it’s in a Hyatt Place hotel. We chose a glass of white Rioja and a Bozal Old Fashioned. Both were wonderful. Jonathan was utterly charming and engaging in an old school bartending manner, rather fitting in the classy interior. Able to engage, while still taking care of all his customers, Jonathan learned something many mixologists don’t practice. There are two arts involved in being a great bartender; mix a killer cocktail and make your clientele welcome. He did both. We had a great...

I reached out to the bar manager and GM Michael in anticipation of throwing a surprise birthday party get together for my sister and the staff was FANTASTIC, ACCOMMODATING, and went ABOVE AND BEYOND to make this a beautiful experience for me and family! From the time I walked into Punch, I was provided my preferred area for me and my guests and was greeted with smiles and sincerity in ensuring I was taken good care of. The music was even better with old school R&B jams playing in the background 🎶 😃. I want to also shout out the young lady whom made sure to move extra tables and chairs to make room for additional guests (did not get her name but I hope she’s know she is!) to Trent our waiter whom took such good care of us, getting all of our multiple orders promptly and ever so patient while checking on us periodically. I want to truly say thank you to the incredible staff and GM Michael at Punch. The birthday girl left with a huge smile and we were so happy to be a part of it with the staff at Punch! Trust me when I say, come to this lounge/bar and be ready for a great experience. WE CAN’T THANK YOU...

Punch! Is an absolute knockout of a drinking experience. The drinks are unique and creative while remaining accessible to the average drinker who may be more familiar with a Jack&coke than a smoky, bacony, bourbon concoction. The staff is just the right balance of friendly and incredibly professional. Curious about learning more? They'll teach you! Want to just drink in peace? They'll make sure your glass is full. On top of the stellar drinks and fantastic people, the space is absolutely phenomenal. The Casa-Blanca-style interior makes it a great stop for both a casual afternoon or an upscale evening. If you're looking for a place to please everyone in you know, look no further. Punch! is really...