Private Events · Wauconda, IL

Your party. Our place. Zero stress.

Birthdays, holiday parties, team outings, showers and reunions — book the cozy Lounge or take over The Backyard with private curling, and let our team handle the food, the drinks and every detail.

2private spaces
Up to 60guests
3 hoursof your own space
Curlingin The Backyard

Pick Your Space

Two very different vibes, one dedicated team. Not sure which fits? Tell us about your group and we’ll point you in the right direction.

The bar inside The Side Lot Lounge in Wauconda, with craft beer taps and a back bar of spirits
Indoor · Up to 40 guests

The Side Lot Lounge

Our cozy indoor lounge is the perfect backdrop for celebrating with friends, family or colleagues — and this season it’s dressed up as The Holly Jolly Lounge, complete with seasonal dishes and holiday cocktails.

  • Savory food, hand-crafted cocktails and craft beer
  • Menu built around your group
  • Great for holiday parties, birthdays and showers

Venue Minimums

Monday – Thursday3-hour food & beverage minimum$1,500
Friday – Sunday3-hour food & beverage minimum$2,000
Guests playing on the curling lane inside The Backyard at The Side Lot
Outdoor · Up to 60 guests

The Backyard

A versatile outdoor space with its own curling lane and a flexible layout of table and lounge-style seating — ideal for an intimate gathering or a lively celebration that everyone will be talking about.

  • Backyard curling for your group
  • Dining tables or relaxed lounge seating
  • Dedicated server included

Backyard Packages · 3-hour rental

Full BuyoutUp to 60 guests, lounge seating & curling$500 + $1,200 F&B
Lounge OnlyUp to 25 guests$200 + $500 F&B
Curling OnlyUp to 25 guests$300 + $500 F&B

Dedicated server included in rental. Add a private bartender for $25/hour.

Why Groups Book The Side Lot

You relax. We take care of the rest.

World Famous SmashBurgers

Plus a full catering menu so your crowd eats well.

Killer Cocktails

Hand-crafted drinks, craft beer — and we’re the Proud Home of Fernet.

Something to Do

Private curling in The Backyard turns a party into an event.

A Team That Has You

Our dedicated staff handles every detail, start to finish.

Booking Is Easy

Three steps and your date is on the books.

Send a request

Tap “Request Your Date” and tell us your date, guest count and which space you’re eyeing.

Plan the menu

We’ll confirm availability and help you build food and drinks from our catering menu.

Show up & celebrate

Our dedicated team takes care of the details. You just enjoy the party.

Private Event FAQ

Quick answers before you reach out.

How many guests can you host?

The Side Lot Lounge holds up to 40 guests. The Backyard holds up to 60 guests for a full buyout, or up to 25 guests for the Lounge Only or Curling Only packages.

What is a food & beverage minimum?

It’s the amount your group spends on food and drinks during your 3-hour event. In the Lounge it’s $1,500 Monday–Thursday and $2,000 Friday–Sunday. Backyard packages combine a rental fee with an F&B minimum (see pricing above).

Can our group go curling?

Yes! Curling is included with the Backyard Full Buyout (up to 60 guests). For groups of up to 25, choose the Curling Only package.

Is service included?

Backyard rentals include a dedicated server. You can add a private bartender for $25 per hour.

What food can we order?

Browse our catering menu — we’ll help you put together the right spread for your group.

How do I book?

Email hello@thesidelot.com with your preferred date, guest count and space, and our team will get back to you to lock it in.

Let’s Plan Your Party

Holiday dates go fast. Send us your date and guest count and we’ll take it from there.

hello@thesidelot.com