Rose Bowl Tavern — Restaurant in Urbana

I was excited to see a band my friend was in, plus I heard decent things about this place before with their events. The security guy kept telling me my LEGAL driver's license was fake. I tried explaining that it was in fact real, he could scan it as proof, but he refused to scan and said that it didn't count??? That he, "knew all about that scanning stuff"??? What does that even mean dude😭😭😭He stood up out of his chair and started screaming at me and my bf saying he's been doing this for years and he knows a fake when he sees it. My bf got through with no problem and it's funny because we got our driver's license at the same time from the same dmv in the area...so why was his found to be real and mine fake??? I understand it's a campus town and people try to pass with their fakes, but that's the entire reason they check IDs isn't it? And the reason there's a barcode on the back? Honestly, if he thought it was fake, oh well. I showed up with the intention of supporting a friend, not to drink, but the entire experience ruined my night. My main issue is that I don't understand why he got so aggressive so quickly and started screaming at me instead of just scanning my ID to prove it was real. I'm genuinely scared to come in again because I don't have a state ID or passport, just a drivers license, so if the same dude is working and I hand him the same license, he's probably just going to lash out at me again. As a woman, it is genuinely terrifying to be screamed at by a man who's physically so much larger than me, I did not feel safe in this bar and will not be coming back. I definitely will not be recommending this place to my female friends either, this was absolutely ridiculous. Please keep your employees in check and properly train them to know when an ID is real. If they think it's fake, there's a professional way to handle that. It's never okay to start screaming at someone who is just trying to support a friend...

Great comment from a visiting musician: “this place is great, it’s what Austin Texas was 30 years ago.” The bar is an old venue that was strictly Country western and in the past few years is under new management, drawing in eclectic mix of talent. Could not recommend this place more. We frequent jazz clubs in New Orleans, New York, Chicago, and Paris and candidly the Rose Bowl ranks right up there only it’s so much more friendly, easy to access, and incredibly cost-effective. Very laid-back, you can take food in and enjoy the show. There is Usually no cover, they just pass a bucket. The talent level is fantastic. At the time of this post, they have Jazz every Friday from 5 to 7, a fantastic jazz band on the first Sunday 3 to 5, a world class Cajun band every second Sunday from 3 to 5, a wonderful bluegrass band on the third Sunday from 3 to 5 and sprinkle the rest of the week with all kinds of various types of bands. A band that plays Django is featured once a month. Where else are you going to find something like that? There is pretty much music there seven days a week, frequently with at least two bands a day. We regularly have friends from Europe join us, and this is a go to that they love and imagine is in every community in the US. Bar wise Rosebowl has a very serious bourbon selection and a great beer selection. The prices are very modest. During the cold months, all of the music is inside, but around May through early fall, there is a large tent and a big stage in the parking lot that is nothing short of magical. Huge thumbs up. It’s a mandatory...

(2025) Adding the 5th star for 2025! (2020-ish) Under New Management! Give it a try! See photo of The Bottle Rockets at The Rose Bowl.

The Rose Bowl has become an important live music venue for the Champaign-Urbana community. The folks who took it over a few years back have worked really hard to keep great musicians coming back, and they are coming back. More groups are playing at the Rose Bowl all the time. You can hear live music there 7 days a week! Find their schedule for all the variety.

There is free popcorn - they don't have a kitchen. They don't prepare food! However, they allow you to carry in food. Just get your drinks at the bar. My friends and I do a potluck/picnic thing and it works great! We often go to hear local Jazz musicians play.

The indoor space is limited but they make it work. In the warm months larger groups can play outside on the stage under the tent. They have a lot of picnic table seating which allows people to eat and drink there. You can also bring your favorite folding chair with you. Outdoor table service is usually available on weekends. Atmosphere is relaxed. The crowds change a bit with the genre of music, I suppose. I've always managed to find parking near-by. Some shows require tickets or cover charge. Many free music options are offered too. But don't miss the Tip Bucket. That's what keeps a lot of talented musicians going. Check the schedule on the website. Downtown Urbana is a great destination on...