Backyard Bowl and Abides Bar and Grill

Backyard Bowl and Abides Bar and Grill

Reviews Summary

The reviews present a mixed but generally positive consensus. Many praise the friendly staff, affordable prices, and family-friendly atmosphere, highlighting enjoyable bowling, arcade games, and decent food. However, several criticize poor maintenance, broken equipment, and inconsistent food quality. Negative experiences often mention rude staff, long waits, and issues with party management. While some find the venue clean and well-run, others describe it as dirty or outdated. Overall, it’s seen as a fun spot for families and leagues, but quality and service can be hit-or-miss.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

2020 1st St W

Milan, Illinois 61264

Hours

Monday 4-9PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 4-9PM
Thursday 4-9PM
Friday 4-10PM
Saturday 12-10PM
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

The bar area is a tragedy! There is trash, broken and non functional equipment everywhere. They've got an elaborate ice cream menu posted with 3/4 of them being unavailable. Also a huge draft beer menu on the wall with most of them being unavailable as well. Dirty. The metal threshold strip for the lanes is not secured down so you constantly trip over it or tear up your bowling shoes. I wish someone who gave a crap and knew what they were doing would step in and take this place over. It's a gem with SO much

$5 per bowling game. $3 show rental. I haven't been into the old Milan Lanes for 20 yrs and oh boy has it changed. Half of the lanes are still there. Took out part of the wall to access the bar more easily. The other half of the lanes are gone and they added a 2nd story to that side which has the ticket gaming machines for all ages. Then to the side of that they have glowing Putt putt mini golf 18 hole course. $7. What an eventful Bday night for me that evening.

Attended Sherrard post prom. Pizza was delicious. Loved neon glow mini golf. Holes were challenging. Bowling lanes were fast. Variety of arcade games. They had my favorite- sleeves ball.

Love it! Great staff and fun place for the whole family!

Been bringing the family here for years,haven't been disappointed for a second...Great food,ice cream,games and nice staff.

Very clean for a bowling alley. Only so many lanes, so there might be a wait. Plenty of arcade games for kids. Food is also good ?? One downside was too many arcade games were out of order. Neon putt-putt coming soon!

Great family fun time. Great memories were made and brought up.

This place rocks! Cheap bowling,amazing food, awesome all around! Great place to have a kids party or just a family night out. They have something for everyone here. The bar also is really good prices and the staff members are professional and a great help! Definitely recommended for all ages!

They have some great food and lots of cool games for the kids. I highly suggest this place.

Great place to bowl! Nice and clean. Friendly atmosphere. Good food! Would recommend!

Had a great time for birthday and plenty of tickets won!

We had my daughter's birthday party here, it was a great experience. Our host was Bailey, the communication she provided was top notch. The food was great and the prices were fair. I am looking forward to our next visit, thanks for helping to make her day special.

Clean, but scoring was not keeping correct scores. My husband was not fond of the nachos threw away most of it, chicken quesadilla was okay. Kids had pizza and didn't complain but I can't recommend or not. Shoes were well kept and clean.

First I've got to say that Joe is amazing, friendly and cares. I rented the banquet room for my son?s graduation with the catering. I have got to say that the room was beautiful, clean and the food was great. Definitely would recommend this place to friends and family.

Currently here at a birthday party. Not the place to have a kids party. If you rent a room they don't tell you any rules until you break them and they let you know. If you pay for every kid to play mini golf and 1 kid hits the ball too hard so it bounces back, be prepared for a 15 year old employee to come scrutinize you after you already told the kid not to hit like that. Overall an awful place to take your family and definitely will not be back or recommend. Be thankful Google requires 1 star or you'd hav

Bowled at this place on Monday nights for most of the summer, but showed up tonight to be informed I'm not welcome to play because I'm not in their league. You have more customers than just what is in your stupid leagues, and you just lost a regular one.

I went last week had a great time! My server was Sydney and let me tell you she was not only stunning but a great server. The way she took care of all my needs reminded me of my late grandmother, Martha bungleton. I tried to work up the courage to ask her out but she obviously already has a boyfriend ??. But regardless she brought light into my dark gloomy life.

Fine location. The food was pretty standard for a bowling alley. Nothing to get too excited about, but it also had a decent beer selection.

Great Place for some family fun. Bowling,pizza,putt putt golf,games and ice cream

We were there to bowl and mini golf and we didn't get to the bowling. I would suggest that if you want to do both you have to get there a lot sooner than we did which was late afternoon. And they close earlier on Sunday. The golf course was challenging but still fun and the black light just made it more fun. Definitely going to go back and try the bowling next time around.

The staff were friendly and helpful. We weren't able to get a lane right away, so we went to the arcade upstairs. They gave us a bunch of tokens to use.... free of charge... while we waited for a lane to free up. Would definately visit them again. We had some other challenges, they were very accommodating.

My 9 granddaughter had her bday party there. The older lady at the front desk was absolutely rude my granddaughters and her friend. The older gentleman was curisng his staff while he was in the kitchen making pizza. These people will ruin this place. ??

They did an amazing job with the new look and renovations of the old lanes to now synthetic. The food is pretty good but I couldn't do the pizza again my stomach didn't agree ?? But the chicken strip were pretty good! And the management is on point and very in touch with his customers! Great Job backyard bowl!!!!! ??????

This place is actually really great, much better than the outside suggests. The mini golf is challenging, yet fun; bowling is awesome, especially at night, and VERY reasonable prices. It was $11 for shoes and 2 games of bowling at 8pm on a Saturday night

Staff was super chill and friendly. The night was slow (not a lot of people there, if any) so my friends and I were able to have a nice night out with just us. Place was clean and up to date. Will definitely go back!

Tonight I was impressed with the staff, food, and everything else! The mini golf was a huge surprise for us. I forgot that was being done, and it's awesome! It was a great family night out, we will be back!

Great place ,all the staff are the best. You have bowling ??, arcade New games to play, pee wee golf ? inside, rooms to have parties ??.good food. The bar is good.. fun place to be.

Great bowling alley ,amazing staff. Good shot for league bowlers. Fun kid games, solid bar and tap beer options. Kitchen food is pretty darn good too.

Can't complain about the pricing for two lanes with a total of eight bowlers! Unfortunately though a good portion of the arcade games had out of order signs on them while a good chunk of others didn't but should have. Had a few games malfunction when it came time for your winnings in ticket payout but ended up empty handed and disappointed.

Then lanes have been remodeled, but the machines are used. Sometimes the lanes will turn off or the balls will get stuck. But the new seats and comfortable and can fit a lot of people. They tables have a phone charging port, the in-building restaurant looks nicer and has a bar.

I go often with my family, the food and drinks are pretty cheap and it not too expensive to bowl. They are very clean and the workers are nice. Great place to bowl. P.S there's a arcade upstairs!!

It was fun. My grandson just had his 7th birthday party there. They bowled, ate pizza then went upstairs to play a few games. The people who work there are friendly.

I hadn't been here for about two years and was surprised that it appeared a little run down. Restaurant quality has gone downhill from my last experience.

The staff is rude. The food is over priced and usually not made how you would like. The fries taste like fish or are cold. And if you do something they don't like they will make sure to call you out in front of a crowd to shame and embarrass you.

Had such a great time! They have a great Friday deal. We took the kids and bowled for hours for a reasonable price. The staff was so nice and helpful! This will be our go to alley from now on!

Great place to just hang out and relax. The only things that might have helped is if our server came to our table so we could order food (in the restaurant) and if when they had league bowling every single lane wasn't full so people just walking in could play a game or two considering league plays hours non stop.

Great customer service, always pleasant! Great food everytime! Bowling is always a good time for our family. My kids and grandkids love it. We go without kids too to enjoy cocktails occasionally

Not really into having the general public bowl there. It's all leagues until late at night, even on Fri and Sat. So not really family friendly imo.

Nice small bowling alley with friendly staff and clean facility. I went on Friday night which has the fun black lights and music. Not too expensive either. They don't charge you to borrow shoes, which is nice.

This is a great place to take your family. My grandkids had a great time and the staff is very accommodating

What a great place to have some family fun. They have bowling leagues for children, teens adults and they have a fantastic arcade mini golf. By the way, they have a great menu.

It was nothing to write home about. Ordered french fries they were not crisp they were soggy..... Not much nightlife at the bar they need to do some karaoke or something I would definitely be there.

Great place and good value for Saturday night bowling ??!

Now I would be lying to you if I said this place sucked this place is amazing the staff is super responsible and respected and the kids league they do is the best since I go to it the staff is amazing and all of them deserve a raise 10/10 my favorite place to be on a bad day

Great pizza, nice arcade, and the party room was nice for a family party. Bowling alleys are well taken care of, with nice tech. Staff were really helpful.

Very accommodating when we've had birthday parties there. Great staff and very nice/clean facility

Poor day to visit with college bowling tournament. Could not bowl but ate. Not a pleasant place to eat, low lights at noon hour, some food was cold other was better, but if we would have sent it back after waiting to long for food to begin with who knows how long it will take

On vacation and family wanted to go bowing and the Milian Lanes was closest alley. Looked nice when we walked in and had very few customers (know why now) but seemed clean. Was denied a beer even with 3 picture forms of id including a disabled veterans id. Also I have a large beard and look by no means under the age of 21. My family was also treated horribly and if my family had not have started bowing I would have told them to "F" off and gone else where, we played one game and got our money back for the o

Nice place clean, and run well. Might put some decoration on the big white wall at the end of the lanes. Gives the optical illusion that the pin box is much smaller than it is

For the first time going it was fun being with my brothers and friend it made it better. The food is amazing. Bowling was a blast even when the black and neon lights came on.

Milan Lanes is always a great time to visit for some cheap bowling. The staff is friendly and the prices are low. The balls aren't can be pretty dented. All in all ypu can't beat a $1 a game on friday nighys

Got a new ball drilled there. Friendly service. Has a nice pro shop, will keep going there.

Had a birthday party there today. Kids had a blast. Had 8 teens! Hunter was our party host and did a great job!

Milan Lanes had remodeled and reopened as back yard bowls. It offers premium pizzas and sandwiches in the restaurant and at your Lane. The bar has 12 handles of draft beer and only 3 are American macro lagers.

Great place ,you should go, have a party, bowling, huge game room and more great food bar. Amazing , restoration done Beautiful ?? price fair .

Over charged us for a party double booked the partyroom and was very rude and disrespectful. Didn't get back to me for 2 weeks then tried to say we added stuff to party that wasn't added. We will never be back!

Nice upgrade! I didn't even recognize it when I walked in! Lots of fun games, good food, great beer! Fun Party place!

Great staff and prices, plus the arcade has a great selection of games to play and prizes to win. Pizza is definitely a win!

Great food in the bar, not that many lanes for bowling. Looks like they now have a game room when you enter,and a large party room in the back,so some great improvements.

Here for bowling leagues on Tuesday nights. A good group to be with. Have a great time. Staff is very nice.

It was okay bowling but the food there is awful tasting. The pizza was awful!! And the other foods we ordered were awful as well. Waste of $50 worth of food.

Best lanes I've bowled on in the last couple months. The pizza was good the service is great. The manager Rob is a great dude

Food was horrible. Everything was over cooked. Very poor service and very overly priced for the quality of food.

Good variety of things to do, giant inflatable balls, bowling, arcade. Only complaint is that lanes are usually busy 24/7.

Fun , fun ,fun, . Lots of fun for kids and adults too! Friendly staff and clean w sanitation stations on all lanes and throughout. I will go again

Love that you can bowl, play in the arcade, play glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and get food all at the same place.

Fun & reasonably priced. The food isn't the greatest but it works if you're hungry.

The food was fine, but the service was SO SLOW! Good updated bowling alleys though

Great place to have a party. Or just go have a few hours of fun with friends

Great place to have fun!! Just had my son's birthday party there!!

Love to bowl here, although last time I ate there I got food poisoning. I mean it was good tho ?? lol

Paid for a birthday party upstairs and and when little kids under 10 and as young as 1 we're playing in the mat room they kicked us out.

Great atmosphere! Pricing is good! Lanes are very nice. Great beer selection!

Had fun and had a very polite staff both in the restaurant and in the bowling/arcade area.

Excellent family atmoshere. Cheapest games & shoe rental in the Q.C. The Customer Service was wonderful.

Good bowling center, plenty of arcade games, the only thing that I was a little annoyed by is that the settee area is a bit clustered.

Waited 2 hours for a lane to open. Half the games in the arcade were broken. I won't be taking my kids back there again.

It's a good place to bowl or take kids to have parties and the staff is awesome

Oh my gosh I had a great time at this place in very friendly service in your food was so good I can't wait to go back next weekend

Great food only down side is alot of the arcade machines are broke.

Staff is nice and tries really hard. Equipment is JUNK. Everything breaks. 2 games took forever!!!!!

Affordable prices, nice lanes, lots of games, and good food!

Good times. Nice eats and craft brews. Everyone should give it a try.

Went there to get something out of a friend of mine's storage they have storage units there and did some gaming

Friendly staff and good food. Very clean and sanitized between customers.

The food is not worth the price, the games take all your tokens, wait takes twice the time they say the wait is

Lane was very oily but super fun.

This place is fast, exept for b-day parties they have a bar and drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.