“Let’s meet at Scaffidi’s,” I texted.
“I’ve never been there.”
“Neither have I.”
Perfect.
I’ve passed Scaffidi’s Hideout (1837 N. Humboldt Ave.) many times on my way down Humboldt, between Pitch’s and the Redroom, but never went in until last week.
We sat at the bar and ordered a few beers. Above the liquor shelving and woodwork was a mirror, which deceived us by creating the illusion of a second, upstairs bar – logically we thought of how cool an “upside-down-themed” bar would be. Not the best conceptual bar idea to come from an evening on the town, not since previous talk of an intergalactic space bar, anyway. Now that’s something.
Halfway through our beers, we got up to play a game of pool on one of three quarter-tables. There were some serious stick-shooters in the joint, but they mostly battle at the table up front by the door, where more people are watching and lingering. We shot a few games, and I’m pretty sure I came out on top. Pretty sure.
The background music was eclectic, inexpensive and mostly homemade. When I called the bar for a refresher on jukebox prices – which I find to be terribly significant – he told me four songs for a dollar and wouldn’t let me hang up. He made sure I knew most of their CDs are burned mixes by their regulars. Oh. And also, he said, you know how other bars say they have the best jukebox in town, we know we do. Well, there you go.
After multiple games of pool and the company of three dropped to two, I killed in darts. There is one dartboard at the back of the bar near the third pool table, which makes the back a great section for a larger group looking for games and a good time with homemade music.
The scene at Scaffidi’s is a friendly and familiar dive. The bartenders were chatting with us by the end of the night and they most definitely want you to have a good experience.
Bar time crept up, and one of the guys came over and told us we could finish up our game and beers before getting the boot. The same bartender also made sure we got some matches on our way out that read, “Where the hell was I last night?” We left Scaffidi’s happy to have a new bar that is also close to another favorite, Redroom (1875 N. Humboldt Ave.).
I’ve spent quite a few nights at Redroom, near the destruction that was once the Humboldt Bridge. Two of the three recent nights I was there, mini-dance parties emerged. The first started with my sister, her friends and me. The other was more intentional with a DJ and, most likely, the DJ’s friends led the dance movement. The crowd was oozing “hipster” this particular night with the ladies dressed in tight sweater dresses, knee-highs, animal prints, wigs, etc.
The bar’s interior was a bit more reserved, but still edgy. The bar top is a metal button pattern, fun for texture and looks. The lighting is dim and romantically paired with the deep red walls. Red translucent vases house candles throughout the bar surfaces and are also fun for making wax finger castings. This bar can get a bit smoky, but they do crack some windows, which is nice. The music can vary with the DJs, but it’s usually something you can dance to. They have a fabulous beer selection, including Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale on tap. Yum.
I’m happy to find two new bars worth going back to, and they’re on the same street. And close to Wolski’s. Surely ya’ll know about Wolski’s. I love playing some metal darts there. So go for a Humboldt Bridge bar crawl this weekend! Guaranteed to be fun.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Friday, May 15: The Get Down Dance Party! 10:00 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to funk up and get down.
The Highbury
2322 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Mondays: Motherboard Mondays: 5 p.m.-midnight. The Wizard Potter offers free diagnostics for your Mac or PC. Plus, free sushi and $3 shots of sake. Interesting combo.
River Boat Tours
Heads up! Season begins May 30.
Four-hour tour on Saturdays and Sundays from May 30-September 26 and Sundays through August 30. Groups up to 70 people per tour time and location. Ticket cost is $28/person; all passengers MUST be 21 years or older. NO REFUNDS. Tours set off from the Lakefront Brewery, Rock Bottom and Milwaukee Ale house. See the Web site for more details. I can’t wait for my first boat tour!
Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
1001 E. Locust St.
Saturday, May 16: The Vega Star, The Championship and Juniper Tar. 9:30 p.m. $6. I’ve seen Juniper Tar play before and have a CD. They are a lovely band with melodic tunes.
Old German Beer Hall
1009 N. Old World Third St.
Fridays: Free Beer 6 p.m. Free half barrel of beer if you receive the last beer when the barrel blows.
