I've been to UIUC several times but my most recent visit there was the first time my friends and I found ourselves at Murphy's. We wanted to do some bar hopping and ended up here after being at Brother's which was a nice change of scenery. It's a dark (but not dingy) Irish pub kind of place which is definitely something different than what I'm used to drinking at. Really nice if you're trying to get away from all the craziness of the typical college bars.
We sat at the bar for a bit before moving over to one of the high tops. Lots of space in this place, even on a Saturday night. Great atmosphere, and really appreciated the fact that my friends and I could have a conversation without having to scream over everyone. Bar tenders were super cool and friendly. Awesome service and good prices for whatever domestics were on tap.
I can't attest to the food since we came strictly to drink, but maybe the next time we're back we'll try something.