Scully’s - A Unique Take on an Irish Pub

Scully’s Irish Pub & Eatery opened recently and was greeted with none other than Hurricane Helene. And it wasn’t until after the storm I found myself on Centre Street in search of something hearty that only the Irish can do — an Irish pub. Scully’s made the pick, and I made my way there.

Originally being Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro, remnants of the restaurant linger around. From the front door, that’s now inaccessible as an entrance, to the sign propped up in the back of the courtyard, it was an interesting mix of nostalgia and new. And the outside is nice and reserved, with two dart boards set up underneath an awning and more tables than I expected.

Stepping inside to order, I found the bar filled with people joking and throwing back pints. The atmosphere inside is more what you would expect from an Irish pub, but the way you order is not. Scully’s performs as fast-casual instead of the traditional way you would order at an Irish pub. And that’s okay, but the confusion is noticeable, as others online have noted when dining here.

I’m always up for something different, so I went with the top sellers in each category. Starting with the onion tangle — these were more tangle than onion. If you enjoy your deep-fried offerings with more of the fried, you’ll love these. While I got a little onion, it was salty, crispy and paired wonderfully with the included Cajun ranch.

I was surprised to find Scully’s current best seller is a smash burger. But after eating it, I can see why. While a smash burger is not the first thing that pops into my mind at an Irish pub, Scully’s makes a delicious burger. The patties are crispy, the pickles are sliced thick, the onions add a nice bite, and the burger sauce is fantastic. For $12, this is a phenomenal smash burger.

For my last item, I went with the Guinness pie. However, I did not get a Guinness pie, as they brought me a shepherd’s pie instead. This wasn’t a big deal to me, and I’m fine with mix-ups, but if you’re not, I could see this being frustrating. Since the shepherd’s pie was the same price as the Guinness pie, I went with the flow and started to eat. If you’re in the mood for savory, hearty, and strong earthy flavors, this pie will be your favorite. This feels like pub food, and I’ve thought about it every day since I had it.

Scully’s is a divisive experience. If you’re looking for a lively bar experience with tasty food, you’ll love Scully’s. However, if you’re looking to have a sit-down experience, you will leave disappointed. The fast-casual approach is interesting, but I can see it throwing people off who are looking for an authentic Irish pub. What you will find is delicious food, quick service, and a comradery that only alcohol can bring out.