Bands, beer and burgers draw regulars to Lisle's Lodge

Open for more than eight years, The Lodge Bar & Grill has settled down from its rowdy early days and undergone renovations to improve its stage and sound quality. Now it's even a better place to catch music of all sorts while sipping cheap drinks.

Motif: The large bar features flat-screen TVs tuned to sports positioned throughout the space. The wooden tables are topped with beer signs, and more are lit up around the rafters. The décor features some quirky lodge touches, like a mounted moose head, a buffalo head sporting a hat and big chandeliers with images of moose over the bulbs. Game fans can play electronic darts, plus bowling, boxing and hunting video games.

The huge stage in the back of the bar was rebuilt eight months ago, adding a new sound and light system. A projector screen hangs above it that can be tuned to sports or used by the bands. The music area also features a dance floor, couches, long tables and its own bar. The bar is open on busier nights, but can also be used if you rent the stage area for private parties.

Two patios feature umbrella-topped tables and space to play bags, with tournaments held Monday nights. A large back room featuring picnic tables and a fireplace can be rented for private parties.

Crowd: Sundays are the busiest day by far, with crowds flocking in for half-price food and drinks. Early in the evening, the bar brings in everyone from bikers in their 50s to families with young kids. The crowd gets younger later, catering mostly to twentysomethings enjoying the dance music. Friday and Saturdays are dominated by residents of the Four Lakes condo community and band followers. The bar brings in extra chairs for Bears games, but is still often standing room only. While football games always draw the biggest crowds, any postseason game is sure to fill the house.

Service: The bartenders and managers at The Lodge are all well-seasoned. They work hard at building relationships with customers, trying to learn regulars' names and drink orders. Just be prepared for service to be on the slow side when the place is packed.

Liquid consumption: The bar offers a draft list featuring Coors' Batch 19 lager and hoppy Lagunitas. Prices are low, with select imports only $2.50 every day. Daily drink deals include $4 Absolut cocktails Thursday and Saturday and $2 domestic drafts and bottles Wednesday.

Food: The menu offers standard bar fare. Burgers are the most popular option, though the pizza is also a hit, especially on Thursdays when it's half-price. For starters, try the shrimp bites, fried shrimp covered in buffalo sauce and served with celery and bleu cheese dressing to cool your mouth off.

Music: The Lodge hosts local bands performing original music on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, cover bands, party bands and tribute bands take the stage. B96 DJs spin Wednesday and Sundays.

Parking: There are plenty of spots in the free lot.

Overall: With music five nights a week, plus plenty of TVs and games, you can always find entertainment at The Lodge Bar & Grill.

The Lodge Bar & Grill at Four Lakes

5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle, (630) 724-0450; <a href="http://thelodgeatfourlakes.com">thelodgeatfourlakes.com</a>

<b>Hours: </b>3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday