The Space

The Space is a restaurant, bar and live‑music venue tucked into 1 E Main St Ste 107 in downtown Champaign, Illinois. Housed in a bright, industrial‑styled space with reclaimed wood tables, exposed brick walls and colorful murals, the venue feels both playful and intentional. The kitchen focuses on life‑changing food made from locally sourced meat, eggs, dairy, produce and bread, and the team even crafts its own condiments – from house‑made ketchup and mustard to a lineup of daring hot sauces. Signature bottles such as Not A Ghost Buster Sauce, jalapeño‑pineapple‑white miso, and strawberry‑rhubarb‑bourbon‑ghost‑pepper can be purchased for $10‑$12 a 4‑oz jar, while the Spicy Barbecue Sauce comes in a 16‑oz bottle for $15. Dinner service runs Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, with a full brunch, lunch and dinner menu on Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm. Weekday evenings feature an open‑mic on Wednesday (4‑9 pm) and a comedy open‑mic on Thursday (4‑10 pm). Saturday nights showcase Herra’s Drag Menagerie at 9 pm on the first and third Saturdays. The Space also hosts special events like the Summertime Supper, a collaborative dinner with Ladro Enoteca, 83 Vietnamese and Baldorottas priced at $150 per seat plus optional wine pairing. Prices for entrees generally range from $12 to $20, and the bar offers craft cocktails and beers from local farms and breweries such as White Oak Brewing and Riggs Beer Company. Reservations can be made through the website, and e‑gift cards are available online. The lively atmosphere, commitment to local farms, and ever‑changing menu make The Space a must‑visit spot for both Champaign locals and traveling food lovers.