Newly opened 210 Restaurant and Live Music Lounge was originally Mary Jane Lanes (later the Alley), but we’ll spare you the bowling puns — oops, too late.
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Co-owner Steve Goldstein, in partnership with “Chef Jeff” Tomchek, formerly with Green Acres Country Club and the Deerpath Inn, have transformed the former 10-lane neighborhood institution into an upscale Americana restaurant with an emphasis on regional American barbecue as well as farm-to-table produce, salads and vegetable dishes.
The once-funky bowling alley bar has been given a makeover and now serves fine wines and craft beers from local artisan breweries and fresh, fun cocktails.
Bowling was a mainstay here for more than half a century, but the recession sent business into the gutter.
This latest incarnation is designed to evoke a cool, living room vibe, a hang-out where diners can enjoy a full dinner with “great plating and great service,” Goldstein says, and, after 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, pull up one of the sectional couches and enjoy live music and dancing.
Sunday is a designated blues showcase featuring Chicago blues hall of famers.
Thursday night entertainment will vary. The space can accommodate up to 500 people for private and semi-private events, and parking is available in the back lot on the west side of the property.
“We want (this to be) the kind of fun and approachable place we like to hang out in, but close to home so you don’t have to go into Chicago,” Tomchek said.
Hours are not set in stone.
“As long as we’re busy, we’ll stay open,” Goldstein says.
Pricing: Starters include bay scallop ceviche with corn chips ($10), shrimp cocktail ($14) and octopus sauteed with peppers and potato ($11).
Side dishes range from Not Yo Mama’s Mac & Cheese ($8), bacon braised collard greens ($6) and three incarnations of hand cut french fries ($6).
Entrees include a pulled pork sandwich ($12), oak smoked beef brisket sandwich ($13), baby back ribs ($16 half slab, $24 full slab) and Applewood Smoked Half Chicken ($16).
For dessert, the Crispy M&M doughnuts with vanilla glaze and chocolate drizzle ($7) may bowl you over.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 5 p.m.- 11 p.m./2 a.m.
Address: 210 Green Bay Road, Highwood. Contact 847-433-0304 or visit 210restaurant.com.
Donald Liebenson is a freelance writer.