Bar of the month

Scullys
433 W. Diversey

The Basics

Where you’ll find it: 433 W. Diversey. Just a few steps west of the Diversey/Sheridan intersection. (773) 868-6200.

When it’s open: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday.

Peak time: Scullys typically hosts a sizable dinner crowd, as people getting off the buses have a hard time walking by without stopping in. When the weather is nice, weekend afternoons are big on the patio.

What you’ve heard: Recently renovated and under new ownership. ... The food is a big draw, and portions are huge. ... The patio is a great way to enjoy the summer.

History in short: In the former spot of Robusto Café, it was a bar called Ollie’s for a year and changed to Scullys on April 1.

Visual Aids

First impressions: Between the floors, bar, tables and chairs, Scullys has a nice combination of dark wood. Combined with exposed pipes near the ceiling and an impressive mirror and lighting arrangement behind the bar and above the booths, it carries a modern, classic look. ... The food apparently carries with it quite a reputation, as a good portion of the patrons are usually tempting their taste buds. ... The patio off the Diversey sidewalk is a coveted spot. Sunglasses, beachwear, a few shopping bags, maybe even a dog catching a breather. You’ll find it all out there.

The atmosphere: With some of the recent renovations and a casual yet somewhat upscale feel to it, Scullys seems to cater to a lot of different crowds. They have live music every Wednesday and Saturday and a DJ spinning tunes on Fridays.

What you’ll tell your friends: “While everyone is sweating to death at Castaways, Scullys is a little undercover gem just a short walk from the beach.” — Erin

The Experience

At your service: Scullys always has a manager on duty and plenty of waitresses to keep the drinks filled and your stomach full, even with the crowd split between outdoors and indoors. ... Great sponsorships are available for sports teams that include t-shirts, a free weekly pitcher of Miller Lite and 25-percent off your bill after games.

Get your drink on: Besides a full bar, Scullys offers about a dozen beers on tap, including Guinness, Harp, Newcastle, Blue Moon, Stella, Sam Adams and Hacker-Pschorr. Scullys also specializes in their martini assortments and have increased their focus on wine, bringing a variety of tastes that remain economical for a younger crowd.

Menu variety: It’s obvious by the way people take their time scoping the menu at Scullys that they’ve built a solid standing among the neighborhood in terms of the grub. You won’t leave feeling hungry after sampling some of the specialties like the wings that, instead of being fried, are marinated, baked and grilled to keep the seasonings in. Other favorites include the famous guacamole burger, herb-crusted salmon, pork chops, toasted ravioli, Asian steak and chicken skewers and a host of tempting salads. The management is in the process of adding more desserts to entice you on that late-summer evening.

Specials: Monday: $2 burger, $2 Lite bottles; Tuesday: 25-cent wings and $3 Coronas; Wednesday: Half-price appetizers, $3 import draft of the week; Thursday: $10.95 entrées and $5 Scullys martinis; Friday: Chef’s choice and a 22-ounce Fat Tire, Chicago’s new favorite beer, for just $5, which is at least a dollar or two less than most establishments; Saturday: $10.95 brunch and $5 Absolut Peppar Bloody Marys; Sunday: 3 Olive cocktails are $3, $10.95 brunch, $3 Pilsner Urquell. $4 Kettle One Citron drinks every day.

Who you can expect to see there: Mostly a younger, active crowd from the mid-20s to mid-30s. Everything from couples looking for a classier atmosphere for dinner to groups having just left the beach volleyball courts on a Saturday afternoon to singles enjoying the scene — and the music — later in the evening. “We’re not a young, crazy crowd, but definitely not an old, pretentious crowd either,” says Brian, one of the owners. “It’s a really good mix.”

It’s a good spot to … “spend a warm summer evening with a date or with a group of friends. The extensive menu of beer and gourmet sandwiches, including the delicious grilled cheese that I sampled, is a good complement to the relaxed atmosphere.” — Sarah

... “stop on the way home from the beach and end up staying into the evening. It’s that kind of place. The girls who work here are nice, and the bike rack makes it easy.” — Brooke

What the Owner thinks: “We have a great outdoor patio and menu that bring people back. We’ve made a lot of changes to the aesthetics, inside and out, and are continuing to make it better. If you haven’t seen our specials, you should get to know us. We think you’ll stay.” – Brian Scullion

What the Manager thinks: “We have a nice, chill spot with good music and a great menu. With live music now, it’s a nice neighborhood hangout for everybody — groups, couples, singles, older, younger, it doesn’t matter.”
– Mike Esposito

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