Hillside Bowl — Local services in Proviso Township

Service is non existent when you set up a party. The restaurant and bowling alley clearly don't communicate. Had 40+ guests, two pool tables reseverved and 10 lanes reserved with the option to pay for more if needed. When we got there only two tables were set up with cloths and the room that houses the pool tables was under construction, like you should be wearing boots and a hard hat under construction. Even though we had been there in the past there was know mention that a room we used over the last couple of years was now a construction site. We had to ask if they were going to bring the soda, then the bartender asked if we had extra help to get the sodas to the table. I didn't know that we paid to become the support staff. When I asked the manager if he could get the beverages to the table he did accommodate and apologized, but he was clearly on his own and the other employees did not try and help. My take on it is when you book a party for service you'd like to spend that time with your guests and not hump drinks back and forth that are part of the package you paid for. The food was tasty but the restaurant is definitely not prepared to cater or provide food to large groups. They gave us these mini nacho type boats for "plates" that you could literally fit 2 pieces of pizza in or one pizza and one wing. We had 10 pizzas, 150 pieces of their whole wings, a tray of fries and a tray of mozzarella sticks. We were given about 30 of these boats to start then had to go ask for more. They gave us maybe 15 more and the 3rd time we went to ask, as more people showed, they said they were going to have to start charging us and begrudgingly gave us 10 more. We had more people show and about one pizza of the 10 left and half a tray of wings and they told us we were out of luck and wouldn't not give us anymore. Another patron from a separate event had a similar issue and said the restaurant would not provide them the proper amount of napkins so the bartender coughed up some cocktail napkins for them. When I complained to the manager he did go "find" some plates in a back closet. If there is going to be a min of 40 people with the understanding we would pay for additional that show up and you order enough food for about 60 you think you would be granted the proper plates and napkins not to mention there was no silverware to speak of. Also they ran out of marinara before the party for the cheese sticks so no dipping sauce for those either. It was deflection city in that place and the night manager Chris was the only saving grace because he tried to accommodate as much as he could. Problem again I'd no communication with the day manager John and it was like sorry I didn't set up the party but I will help as much as possible so you have a good time. Once I got John on the phone who originally set up the party it was excuses and at one point he tried to blame us the client for not giving him enough info. When I retorted with, "John we have had our party here the last couple years and asked for the same thing and you say yep no prob. You then can't retort that you don't hang on to old contracts or remember what we exactly had when the party is in full swing..." An unreal experience this time around. Doubtful we will ever be back. The only reason this gets any stars is because the food was decent and Chris was a good guy. Other than that it would have been zero this...

The BEST time EVER are the words my daughter used to describe their surprise birthday celebration.It could not have been a more perfect night.The facility was beautiful and so welcoming.I felt safe because their security is very thorough.The atmosphere was conducive for a great night of bowling and dancing.The bar staff was so pleasant and top notch.Dont get me started of that D.J PHENOMENAL...He catered to every genre of music.It was Sweetest day and the Alley was full but there was still enough room that it didn't feel crowded. The food was delicious and hot...I would highly recommend going to Hillside Bowl. I don't know if the 23 and older stipulation has something to do with it but the energy in the place was mature and I liked that very much....Great job...

To John Nelson and the team at Hillside Bowl, thank you for making our event extra special! My friends and I hosted a watch party for our appearance on a national game show. John, Jose, Christian, Trish and Santos were by our sides the entire time, offering help, lending a hand and kind assistance to make our gathering seamless and enjoyable. If you're looking for a spacious, clean, fun and fully functioning venue, look no further than Hillside Bowl. The staff, the great food, the lanes and the event space serves as a perfect site for a fun night for all. Thank You, Thank You...We'll see you at our next Bowling...