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| - I really enjoyed my lunch at the new Black Dog. A fantastic build out in the old train depot downtown. Inside is narrow with all wood and a few TV's. The bar runs almost the entire length inside, so plenty of seats there with a few booths and high top tables. High ceilings and windows all around as well, which makes the place feel a little more open than the narrow area suggests. Love the atmosphere.
I showed up about 11:15 am, and there was plenty of seats available. Though that filled up quickly. Sitting at the bar, I had no issues with the service. Food came out before I knew it, and piping hot. The bartender also new the beer list and we talked a bit about the cask offerings. This and the Urbana location might be the only place in the area that does cask now. Which is a shame.
Anyway, ordered the burnt ends sandwich. Topped with coleslaw and the Carolina Red vinegar based sauce. I am not a huge fan of coleslaw by itself, but put it on a sandwich and that makes all the difference. The sauce had the perfect vinegary kick, and the burnt ends are just damn good. Along with a side of pit beans that were hot, smoky, and sweet. The burnt ends sell out pretty much everyday. However, they are always ready at opening, and again at 5pm.
10 taps, with two cask offerings (as I said above). I don't know if I have ever seen North Coast Red Seal on cask, and it was in good condition. With the rest of the tap selection running from Founders to The Bruery. Along with Blind Pig, one of the better beer bars in the area.
I have always thought the Urbana location was very good, if not excellent, though maybe a little overrated. Though the burnt ends are very much on point here. A great beer bar and really good BBQ place in downtown Champaign.
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