A downtown Champaign staple is ready to grow into an even bigger part of the local dining scene.
Farren’s Pub and Eatery, formerly tucked away underground in a you-won’t-find-it-unless-you-know-exactly-where-it-is location at 309 N. Randolph St., opened its new location July 16. The new Farren’s takes the place once occupied by Radio Maria, which closed in December. Farren’s announced in February that it would move from Randolph Street to that space at 117 Walnut St.
Farren’s, known for its variety of specials and highly regarded burgers, will have vastly more kitchen space than the old spot, where the kitchen was roughly the size of a walk-in closet and visible to everyone in the restaurant.
The new location has a separate bar from the dining room. Changes to the menu have not yet been announced.
The 309 N. Randolph location closed its doors forever at the end of business on Friday, July 12.