I was torn between 2 and 3 stars. I tried this place for the first time last weekend due to some friends who wanted to drink here.
There is really two stories when it comes to my experience.
The food- This is where I would give this place 2 or maybe even 1 star. I love shepherds pie and it was of course on the menu, so I ordered it. It was a somewhat decent portion and looked good. However, the goodness ended there. When I laid my fork into it I discovered that this was not a shepherds pie. What I was served was a liquid soup like substance. I couldn't even eat it with a fork so I had to request a spoon, which was an adventure. I had to wait 10 minutes before I could get someones attention to bring me a spoon.
The drinks- They have a decent beer selection, but I wouldn't go back for that. What I would go back is for their mixed drinks. They have a nice drink selection and do a great job making them. They take their time and make them right with some semi-advanced techniques. Although the bartenders sucked as waiters/waitresses (see spoon story above), they were great bartenders. I would easily give this place 4 or 5 stars when it comes to drinks.
Will I come back? Maybe, but I will not order food here again. It is a shame since this is the only Irish Pub in Champaign/Urbana. No, Murphy's does not count as an Irish Pub or anything. Using a green shamrock and an Irish name doesn't make a bar an Irish Pub.