For music lovers who flocked to the Fireside back when it was a rock venue, it's a near-impossible feat to separate the memories of the old from the reality of the new. That said, the revamped version is a reasonable place to toss your balls down the lane.

Reminiscent of an old Coke bottle, the outside of Fireside is painted in cherry red. Enter the building and find a bar on the right that's straight out of a Tom Waits song, a pool table with the remnants of a just-finished game and a small bar filled with spirits and a few people drinking them in solitude. Head for the bowling and find the wooden panels and simple setting a reasonable change of pace from the glow-in-the-dark bowling that seems to be the standard these days. Logan Square locals make up the crowd, meaning you won't be encountering any teeny-boppers here. It's not a shabby way to spend a Friday night; just don't get any rock music stuck in your head, or else you'll think of the good ol' days.

Bowling rates: $3.50 per game or $20 per hour; shoes $2.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jon Graef