Sunday, November 1st 2009
Scaffidi's Hideout
By 2 Cents
Located on the corner of Humboldt and Land, just South of the temporarily out Humboldt St
Bridge (slightly inconvenient if you’re coming from North Ave or Riverwest, but right down the
road from Brady St.) SCAFFIDI’S HIDEOUT is a classic Milwaukee Tavern.
Upon entering, you’ll most likely be greeted by one of the two owners, brothers Rick or Mark.
Taking a seat at the bar, you get a sense that this place has been around a long time. In fact, the
bar has been in their family for nearly 40 years, since 1970, with the two brothers taking
possession of it from their father in 1983. On recent visits, both the owners and the regulars
sitting at the bar were quick to include me in their lively, if at times, off-color conversation, and even bought a round or two for this relative newcomer, quickly making me feel welcome.
The bar is dimly lit, creating an atmosphere that appears smoky, even when nobody is smoking. Most of the illumination comes from the custom made lights hanging over each of the 3 pool tables and the big screen TV in the corner of the bar area. With no live music, the pool tables are obviously the main draw here, as evidenced by several people entering with their own custom cue sticks. Owner Mark informed me that fall pool leagues were beginning soon on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons. Even after admitting that I suck at pool, he assured me that all skill levels were indeed welcome.
And if pool’s not your bag, there’s also darts, a bar-top video machine, & two other electronic game machines. My only issue with the place, (and it’s a minor one…) with decent drink specials and folks who just might try to convince you to stick around longer than you intended, the handwritten track listings for many of the custom mix CDs in the jukebox can become quite a challenge to read, especially after you’ve had that extra one or two...
Perhaps it’s not quite as famous as it’s nearby neighbor that gives away bumper stickers at closing time each night, and it’s certainly easier to find than the place that requires patrons to dispense with the secret password. Nevertheless, SCAFFIDDI’S HIDEOUT lives up to its name by offering a friendly tavern atmosphere that is easy to lose yourself in.
Listing: Scaffidi's Hideout
