Timber Lanes is a classic bowling alley that feels like a cozy neighborhood dive. In fact, when you walk in the door, you’ll notice a great little bar to your left, decorated with framed photos of old sports heroes and bowling league champs, Chicago sports paraphernalia, and a 1970s faux-wood formica bar top. Whether you're thirsty or not, you’ll have to visit the bar because the bartender is also the lanes manager. Let the bartender know how many games you’d like and your shoe size. It’s cash only. If you find yourself short on cash, don’t worry, there is an ATM just outside the building.
The dive vibe extends beyond the wood panel walls. There are no dayglow bowling graphics, the only neon comes from a handful of signs in the window behind the bar. Above the pins, the words “Timber Lanes” are painted modestly to look like wood logs (timber...wink wink) in a sort of summer camp fashion. There are no score keeping computers, but you should find a blank score sheet and a few golf pencils at each lane. If you’re not sure how to keep score, make a quick google search or download an app to help. Once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty fun to sharpen your math skills with a beer between bowls.
Also in the area: Victor Bar: moody cocktail bar; Laschet’s Inn: authentic German pub with monster pretzels; O’Donovan’s: cozy sports bar, great food & service; Begyle Brewing: beer & skee-ball!
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Argyle Street" is Chicago's first shared street. The concept allows cafes to extend outside their doors and provide spaces for the summer night market...
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The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake.
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I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!
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The star of the show is De Luna's "volcano" taco, made with spicy poblano pepper and melted cheese. It may be one of the best tacos I've eaten in my life!
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Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.
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My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.
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Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!
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The lentils are filling and creamy; the veggies are lightly cooked and nourishing; the injera bread is the perfect balance of slightly tangy and spongey.
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OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.
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Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
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Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.
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