Great new option in downtown Champaign. Everything about this place has a light touch--both casual and selective. The welcome snack is a daily-fresh made popcorn with a rotating seasoning. Ours was crazy good, but we had to ask the server to place the flavor: cumin & orange zest! Apparently the chef regularly changes it.
The tap and bottle list is craft beer lover's friend. Not trying to outdo a number-of-taps contest, but all the right choices were there. Especially loved the slightly sarcastic "These Beers?" bottom of section of the menu for those who want a Bud Light instead.
Tater tots are like nothing you've seen: homemade and tasty with an apple sauce. The smoked bacon practically jumped off the deviled eggs.
The menu feels relatively small when you're used to the pages and pages on your typical chain. And I wouldn't mind if they expanded it a bit, but there were so many good looking items, I think it will take several visits without any boredom. That most of the ingredients are locally bought makes it worth it.
Service was exactly what you expect from a place like this: a whole step above any chain restaurant. Constant attention, knowledgeable about the food, funny and warm, but never over-intrusive. Perfect!
Nice job, Big Grove Tavern. We'll be back.