Just opened today at 11am in the "Old, Old Train Station:" the much anticipated Champaign edition of Black Dog Smoke and Ale House! At least for now it has the same menu and phone number as the Urbana location. And it is as good or even slightly better than the food at the Urbana location. Of course, time will tell. They could be putting in greater effort on their opening day.
If you like smoked food, this is the place. Personally, can take or leave the sauces, although I do like the MIlo's Mustard BBQ Sauce that both places usually have. My brisket was fall-apart tender but nice and juicy, with a lot of smoke and char flavors. I had the smoked cornbread and the smoked greens, both of which were excellent.
The ambiance, for now, leaves a lot to be desired as the dining areas remain under construction. So, at present, it is take out only. Which is OK, as the Urbana location is so popular and crowded we find it is best described as "take out mostly." Once they finish remodeling the 1800's vintage train station they will have plenty of seating, and they hope to relieve some of the congestion at their Urbana location. They claim-- but who knows-- that it will be finished and the dining room open by August, in time for school to begin. Until then, hours at this location are limited to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and, as I said, it is take out only. Also, the menu is the same as in Urbana. Once the new location of El Maize opens next door in the merely "Old Trainstation," this will be quite the delicious corner of town.
This Black Dog has parking! It is on the east side of the restaurant. A real plus compared to the Urbana location.
So far, this is a great addition to our little town. It will be crowded, I am sure, for Graduation weekend, so you might delay your visit until next week (unless you are in town just for graduation), after which things should go more quickly and smoothly. That said, my order was quick and perfect! No complaints there at all. The line was about 35 minutes when I joined it and looked to be twice as long as I left; word was getting around quickly!