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Ok, enough with the Blind Pig/Mike & Molly's comparisons. They're both bars I frequent, but they are decidedly different and I'll break down the differences for you.
Mike & Molly's, first of all, has a superior bar staff; they actually know how to pour beer. It's unfortunate that a bar (BP) that is so well known for it's extensive beer selection, hires young college kids with no knowledge of beer. (There are a couple decent bartenders here but 80%+ of them are terrible). The previous manager was a great bartender, since he left, the staff has done downhill. M&M's barstaff is by far superior.
The crowd, which honestly is much more important than decor. A lot of patrons of M&Ms also frequent the BP but more often you will find the late night crowd at M&Ms - it's just more fun. BP is good for happy hour sitting and talking to friends or going by yourself and striking up a conversation with someone, but Mike & Molly's is where you go to have fun. Not only do they have a jukebox, darts, a TV - which provides entertainment to those who need it, but they also have DJs, occasional bands (upstairs), and a huge gorgeous beer garden, but this is bar you will find the bulk of the downtown Champaign 'scenesters', this is the bar that you will find the 20/30/40 somethings who have been around for a long time - and that says something about a place. It's also a last-call bar, even if there is a show somewhere else, Mike & Molly's will draw in a bunch of people at 1:45am for last call - this is the place people want to be when they end their night.
If you want to sip a fancy beer with your pinky in the air while having to explain to the bartender how to pour a Guinness - go to the Blind Pig. I like the Pig inthe early hours especially if the owner is hanging out - he's a great guy, but they need more seasoned staff, or at least staff with personality. If you want a good time - go to Mike & Molly's.
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With the Blind Pig and its grand beer selection now open on the other side of the block from Mike & Molly’s, the comparisons between the two will be inevitable. So let me be the first.
First, tap selection. Mike & Molly’s has 10 well-stocked lines of good-quality brews (except the Old Style) but with the possible exception of Rogue Shakespeare, none of it was stuff you wouldn’t ordinarily find in a self-respecting beer bar anywhere in the region - Bell’s, Sierra Nevada, Guinness, Bass, the regulars. BP on the other hand has 20 lines, 2 beer engines, and a much more diverse, hard-to-find tap lineup. Furthermore, BP has 10 more lines going in soon. Advantage: Blind Pig.
Next, bottle selection. Here it's nearly a toss-up. By my count M&M's had about 25 more bottle varieties. In my opinion BP has a slightly higher overall bottle quality, but not enough to offset M&M's broader selection. Advantage: Mike & Molly's.
Finally, atmosphere. This depends largely on the time of year. BP has nice if well-worn woodwork and much nicer bar, tables & seating. And walls. And ceiling. And decor. Overall it's a much tidier place (but not "tidy" in the sense of "sterile"). By comparison, the inside of Mike & Molly's is a pit. It almost looks like a biker bar with a curiously exceptional beer selection. BUT - it also has a nice open beer garden on the side of the building that makes for a lovely spot to have a beer on a warm breezy summer afternoon. Advantage: Blind Pig in fall/winter, Mike & Molly's in spring/summer.
Downtown Champaign pubcrawlers are lucky to now have two great beer bars practically right next to each other to choose from, depending on which suits their mood and the occasion. As one famous felon would say, "it's a good thing."
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