Island Lake’s 3D Sideouts has intergenerational appeal

Ty Weidner still remembers his parents signing him up for junior bowling at 3D Sideouts when he was in grade school.

“We’d go for youth bowling on Saturday mornings,” said Weidner, now 41. “I’d go there with my parents, who bowled on Sundays. My parents met some of their friends at bowling leagues, friendships that they enjoy to this day.”

These days, it’s Weidner taking his own kids along to Sideouts, or meeting up with his bowling buddies after leagues to catch some NFL action on a Sunday afternoon. With its numerous TVs, friendly, accommodating staff, great food and drink, and terrific outdoor seating for those sunny fall days, it’s the perfect local spot, Weidner said.

Jerry DeLaurentis, owner of 3D Sideouts Sports Tavern at 4018 W. Roberts Road, said seasonal pro sports matches are available to watch on about 30 indoor and outdoor TVs, with surround sound inside and out. With food and drink specials plus bowling, darts and baggo leagues forming or underway, fall is an especially popular time to gather at the iconic Island Lake establishment, he said.

“With the awesome weather we’ve had, having the outside patio with our 16-foot LED screen has been fantastic,” he said. “It’s almost like a tailgate party every Saturday and Sunday. Plus, our outdoor TVs are true outdoor TVs. They’re super vibrant, so if you’re watching a game outside, even on a sunny day, you can really see it.”

Additionally, Sideouts boasts the Sunday NFL Ticket premium sports package.

“We show all of the games,” DeLaurentis said. “Every NFL game every week. Whether you’re a Chicago Bears fan or a Dallas Cowboys fan or a Cleveland Browns fan … you can find it here.”

Sideouts also is an Official Blackhawks Bar as well as a place to catch the Chicago Bulls.

Those who’d rather do than watch have several activities from which to choose. Fall bowling leagues have begun, as have darts and indoor bags leagues.

Weidner said no matter what draws visitors to Sideouts, they’re likely to return — and may well introduce the place to their family’s next generation in time.

“My kids love to go there, either to bowl or they have an arcade in the back,” said Weidner, who has three children. “The staff make the place a real family atmosphere.”

Sideouts features a broad selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and beers. Food is served daily. Menu options include pastas, pizzas, paninis, grilled, blackened salmon and pot roast. Fall specials include half-price pizza and dollar wings during Monday Night Football games.

A Friday, all-you-can-eat fish fry takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. weekly. Brunch is available 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays. For more information, visit 3dsideouts.com, email staff@sideouts.com or call (847) 526-7174.