World Famous SmashBurgers
Wauconda, IL
About The Side Lot
The Side Lot is a lively gastropub and sports bar in downtown Wauconda, IL, founded by local owners Phil Castello and Brittany Barth.
We’re best known for our World Famous SmashBurgers — alongside elevated street food, craft beer, extensive handcrafted cocktails, and wine- that have become a local favorite.
Whether you’re catching a soccer game at the bar, grabbing pub food with friends, or settling in for craft cocktails, The Side Lot brings zero-pretense hospitality to every table.
Our rotating craft beer list highlights Illinois breweries, our bar team shakes up killer seasonal cocktails, and our kitchen keeps things interesting with weekly events and specials.
Located at 110 Slocum Lake Rd. in Wauconda, we’re a go-to spot for game day food, casual dinners, and weekend hangs. Stop in, order online, or join Side Lot Rewards to make us your regular spot.
Order direct for the fastest service and to support The Side Lot directly — no extra middleman markups, just your SmashBurger fix, faster.
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Thursday: 3–10pm
Friday: 11am–12am
Saturday: 6:30am–12am
Sunday: 8am–8pm
Kitchen closes at 9pm
Got Questions?
From our beer list to Backyard Curling to our dog policy, we’ve got answers. Check out our FAQs.
hello@thesidelot.com
847.865,0281
Your Questions, Answered
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Yes, Kids are allowed. We ask that children remain at their table for the duration of their visit. We have a wide variety of non-alcoholic drink options and soft drinks.
For safety reasons, you must be 12+ to participate in Curling; an adult must supervise players under 18 at all times. -
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome in our Backyard during the spring and summer when the tent is open-air!
Dogs are never permitted inside the taproom at any time, nor are they allowed in the Backyard tent during the winter when it is fully enclosed.
Trained service dogs are always permitted in all areas, in accordance with ADA guidelines.
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As of October 2022, we have stopped brewing beer at The Side Lot. We occasionally collaborate with various local breweries on special re-releases of the Side Lot Brewery beers. Our draft list is always filled with favorite craft beers from around Illinois. You can always see what is on tap here.
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Yes! We have fantastic food options. You can view our menu by clicking ‘Menus’ above.
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While there's no better option than ordering from Side Lot’s menu, we do allow orders from Slyce Coal Fired Pizza in The Backyard.
Please dispose of your own trash when ordering from Slyce.
OUTSIDE DRINKS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT SIDE LOT.
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There is no smoking in the Backyard.
Smoking in the curling tent will result in a $100 cleaning fee and the forfeiture of your remaining reservation times.
There is a smoking area located in the parking lot.
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Absolutely! We offer events for groups of 10 - 120 people. You can find all of the details here: Groups & Events.