Champps Restaurant & Bar

Great sports bar. And if you catch their awesome happy hour, you will leave very happy. We came here to watch the Super Bowl. Tvs line every wall and there’s even a large projector screen. This place was the only smart one to just offer they happy hour specials for the game — basically half off all appetizers.
We sampled I think every single appetizer during that game. All was delicious, Thought the only item I would suggest avoiding is the shrimp polenta cakes. There is seriously a pound of polenta in the cakes for every two pieces of shrimp. The shrimp were spicy and not overcooked but the polenta cakes were super bland.
The reason I deducted a star is because the drinks were weaker than Payton Manning that Super Bowl night. I for realz people. You’re a bar on the biggest sport night of the year and you pouring these drinks like you’re afraid you’ll run out of liquor. Not acceptable.

Mark H. and I stumbled in after a night of eating and drinking nearby for MOAR eating and drinking. The place was large, and sparse of people. It was a bit hidden around a corner. Considered Zombie Apocalypse hit it, but noticed living beings sitting around the bar, so convened there. Ordered some juicy (greasy) Kobe mini sliders. They were tasty, but I wasn’t feeling the value. Was this even Kobe beef at Kobe prices? Also got a chicken stir fry that I tried all night to consume but ended up with salt burns in my mouth. Staff was alright, I wasn’t wowed, but perhaps I’ll be back? I’m intrigued: This place thrives for a reason. What is it? I really want to «get it».

Me and La Chica stopped in late night for an appetizer and a dish to split. Not because we were hungry, but because we just like to eat. Champps was just sitting there all open for business and shit as we were walking back to the hotel, so we figured, «What the hell!»
We ordered the Kobe mini burgers first. There were two sliders, or «minis,» which were actually the size of a Whopper Jr. at Burger King. Nothing very «mini» about that at all. They were cooked as ordered, but were a little on the bland side. Sometimes you need ketchup because you just freakin’ like ketchup. Other times you need ketchup because YOU NEED ketchup.
Second, we ordered a Chicken stir fry to split. It was their version of kung pao. It took forever to come out, but probably because the had to steam some fresh rice. I wouldn’t think that a sports bar would have that food item just laying around. The portion was big, and so was the sodium content. We went Friday night, and I’m still feeling dehydrated today (Monday). Too salty!
Staff was friendly, but uninterested in us once we received our order. 3 star is generous, and not sure if I’d ever return.

Not a horrible place to watch the game but I think I would prefer the other options at Bay Street.
Unfortunately, Bar Louie and The Pub were packed, so we opted for Champps.
The atmosphere was ok-​nothing special but not horrible either. The bar could use a good clean up during their busy hours. There were a few tables that sat there dirty, which is always a turn off for me.

The building & the staff…
I’ve lived here for over a year now, and I see Champps all the time. It’s conveniently hitched to International Mall, but I never checked it out. Glad I did.
It’s an absolutely perfect game day spot, and I was so surprised how empty it was at game time. Maybe it was because of the holiday?
Our server was nice, though a little annoyed with how long it took me to decide.
The food…
I tried out their special– half a pasta order with a soup or salad. I had the blackened chicken Alfredo which involved red pepper and spinach as well. I am never a fan of cooked spinach, but this dish was on point.
I also had a cup of chunky potato soup, also very good. It was creamy and hit the spot.
Overall, I was impressed. Even though I was at what seemed like a sports bad, I ate like a duchess. Not too shabby.

I like Champps since it’s more of an «upscale» sports bar, a fun place to enjoy happy hour, grab some apps and watch the big game. Last time I went here the service was extremely (and i mean extremely) slow and that was a bit of a turn off. The food was good as were the drinks, so that revived their rating by 1 extra star. I had the chicken satay appetizers, probably not the typical thing that someone would order at a sports bar, but I enjoyed it regardless.
It has a nice feel inside that makes it seem like a sports bar, but not the typical hole in the wall smoky and dark type of place.