Diners may recognize the name Sidelines Sports Grille from a decade ago, when the casual eatery had several locations around town. Today, their numbers are down to just five, including the original that opened 15 years ago on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. That location recently underwent a major overhaul that keeps it in step with today's diners.

"We were one of the first sports bars in the Kennesaw area, and we're still a local favorite, especially for the college crowd," said general manager and chef Fred Rizzo. "But it looked like an old sports bar. We just brought it into the 2000s with some changes."

Renee Brock/AJC special (ENLARGE)
The new menu includes a black bean veggie burger served on toasted tortillas with cheddar cheese, lettuce, green onion and fresh salsa. But never fear — there's plenty to satisfy carnivorous types, too, including New York strip steak.
Renee Brock/AJC special (ENLARGE)
Sidelines Sports Grille on Barrett Parkway has been spiffed up; customers will notice an updated menu as well as a renovated interior — and lots of TVs.
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New to the interior are red and sand colors around three large-screen TVs and 48 flat-screens ringing the ceiling of the dining room. Those not into watching sports on TV will find a revamped lineup of entertainment that has something happening every night, from trivia and poker to live music and karaoke.

New food

Another change is on the menu. The favorite burgers, chicken wings with seven sauces, and giant platters of nachos remain, but there's also a selection of steaks and seafood. Sirloins, New York strips, country fried steak, racks of ribs, grouper and shrimp are served with two sides. Pasta options now include sausage, peppers and onions over penne; blackened chicken Alfredo; and chicken Parmesan. Chicken salad and veggie wraps, a Cajun chicken burrito and a black bean veggie burger join the lighter lineup of salads, soup and chili. Starters have been revved up with spicy fried pickles and black bean hummus.

Still going strong are the Sidelines sandwiches, including cheesesteaks, clubs and Cubans, as well as the new Italian sausage hoagie and a shrimp po' boy. Breakfast is served at all hours.

Along with the regular menu, Rizzo adds daily dinner specials starting at 3 p.m. Lunch deals include a buy-one-get-one-free each Wednesday and $7.99 sirloins and popcorn shrimp on Thursday.

Sidelines is still a smoking facility, so entry is limited to those 18 and older.

From the bar

There are 18 beers on tap and another 45 in the bottle. A short list of wines is served by the bottle and glass and there's a menu of more than 100 shooters. Each Tuesday, martinis are $4; on Wednesday, domestic drafts are $2.50. And there's a drink special available every day.

Just for fun

There's something happening every night at Sidelines. Start the week off with Monday night karaoke, followed by game show trivia on Tuesday and rock 'n' roll bingo on Wednesday. Team trivia takes over on Thursday and Friday, and there's a live band each Friday at 10 p.m. A DJ spins tunes on Saturday; poker takes over on Sunday night after a day of NASCAR on the TVs.

• Signature dishes: Black Angus burgers and chicken wings
• Entree prices: $10.49-$18.99
• Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays; noon-midnight Sundays
• Reservations: No
• Credit cards: Yes
• Web site: www.sidelinesga.com