By Chris Murphy
Sidelines is Back!
There hasn’t been a more anticipated reopening in Modesto in a long time.
For most of the 2000s, Sidelines was a hotbed of awesome local music, sports and great food. For you old timers, this was the old Dreyer’s by the Mervyns, now the location of Culture Coffee. It was a great scene, live bands, great food and drinks and some well-loved favorites like the band Late with Dave Souza. However, the neighbors did not care for the local music and forced it to close. Since it closed, the whole social world was begging for a reunion.
NOW, Sidelines is back, in a location where local bands can shine again and the famous Triple Play is on the menu along with other favorites. Tony Arnebeck was behind all of the great food and purveyor of a great scene. I first met Tony at Firkin & Fox, where on St. Patrick’s Day he had his Mammas Corned Beef. It was amazing. Following some great years at P. Wexford’s, Tony team up with Reggie White who has been a big part of Modesto’s nightclub scene and they teamed up to bring Sideline’s back, teamed up with Whiskey Jack’s nightclub.
Walking in to Sideline’s, it is all sports and the walls are covered with TVs with all sports networks. Tony says you can “even” watch the Mets or the Dolphins. The next thing you notice is the menu. It’s big and it has something for everyone, entrees named after your fave sports players and 75% of the items are from the original Sidelines. From burgers to oysters you can find something you love. But, the most famous thing on the menu is the Triple Play. Chicken, TriTip, and Shrimp over fettuccini with special cheese bread. This is amazing and no wonder everyone likes it. There is so much more. If you see a “Mama’s” item, it’s because Tony’s mom is actually in the kitchen creating her specialties. We love the Mamma’s Meatloaf. Oysters? They specialize in both east and west coast from the north west and they come in a variety of tastes.
Now get this, the BBQ is a house specialty and is all smoked on-site. Take a walk outside to the patio, and the smoker from Doc’s is there. No wonder it’s so good. Doc even comes by to check on everything, so check out the ribs, briskit, tri-tip, pork, links and more. We recommend the brisket sandwich.
There is so much to try. We really enjoyed the footling giant Chicago Dog, and the Club Sandwich. For those of you that need some tacos, they are amazing. The Miami Marlins Fish and Chips is on the menu and you can get Hot Dog Sliders. We could go on, but you just need to go check it out yourself.
Nighttime is fun at Whiskey Jack’s with Wednesday Line Dance @ 730, Thursday Karoake @ 7:30 Live Music Friday and Sat nights. Each side has a bar and you can go back and forth. Look for larger events this summer on the huge patio that can host outdoor concerts. In the meantime, you can chip and putt and there’s a special Sidelines golf score card.
This is a fun place. The food is good, the tables are comfortable and it already seems like you have been there before. Sunshine Maddux is behind the bar and will make you feel at home. There are even four people on staff that are kids of the old Sidelines team. I am sure you will be seeing Dave Souza in one band or another, and we are hoping for a Late reunion, but we were happy with the recent Journey Revisited and Flying Blind shows. We feel something good is happening and hope to see you there.
Sidelines and Whisky Jacks
1000 Kansas Ave, Modesto, CA
Sun-Wed 11am–Midnight
Thursday–Sat 11am–2am
www.whiskyjack209.com<www.whiskyjack209.com>
@sidelines209
