I grew up in C-U but didn't go to UI, and never even really partied on campus with my friends that did. I always had them meet me in downtown Champaign. Esquire, Brass Rail, Mike n Mollys (RIP), and occasionally Bling Pig were my haunts. Now when I go home to see my folks and catch a game I hit those places plus the Rose Bowl and Bunny's in Urbana. Maybe a stop at Huber's (apparently Ron Turner's old favorite) if there's time.
*special mention to Loose Cobra in Tolono, ran by possibly the coolest and nicest guy in the world, HUM's Matt Talbott.