Phil Castello is a Master Mixologist, Sommelier, and unapologetic storyteller of food and drink.

Phil has built a career on breaking expectations—blending fine-dining precision with the comfort and chaos of neighborhood hospitality.

As co-founder of The Side Lot in Wauconda, Illinois, Phil Castello transformed a small suburban bar into a playground for flavor exploration—hosting immersive tasting menus, cocktail-driven dinners, and hands-on classes that fuse science, art, and showmanship. With a background that bridges the kitchen and the bar, he blends culinary technique with mixology to craft experiences that are as thoughtful as they are unpredictable.

Known for his signature phrase “Let’s Get Weird,” Phil approaches food and drink with fearless creativity. To him, weird means curiosity without limits—finding beauty in the unexpected, elevating the ordinary, and chasing that “what if” moment that turns a simple bite or sip into something unforgettable.

When he’s not behind the bar or over the fire, Phil is dreaming up his next experiment—somewhere between approachable and avant-garde—and inviting guests, collaborators, and friends to join him in the delicious unknown.