Review: The Scout Offers Great Food, Atmosphere and Service



BBQ Pulled Duck with Sweet Potato Fries

I've walked or driven by The Scout on South Wabash numerous times wondering what it was and what it offered. I even pigeonholed it as another overpriced sandwich shop. Boy, was I wrong!

I, along with my friend Melissa, ventured into The Scout on what was one of those rare sunny days this year. I was immediately impressed and happy with our selection. The restaurant -- even its open floor layout -- was inviting and nothing like I expected.

Spicy Green Beans

The South Loop establishment is a hip neighborhood restaurant with a bar and big-screen televisions for watching sports. To call this eatery a neighborhood bar and grill would be a disservice. Even to call it an upscale bar is a bit misleading. The food alone in this joint places it in another league, which neither a bar and grill nor upscale bar can fully claim.

Seating is plentiful and appropriately spaced so you're not squeezing by another diner. Natural light streaming through the huge front windows makes you forget about the bar in the back and side or the TVs positioned throughout the restaurant. Staff and patrons are cheery and friendly. I think that natural light helps.

Now the food! Melissa ordered the Black Angus Pot Roast with red-skin mashed potatoes. It was a moist and well-seasoned dish served in a pewter kettle bowl. I ordered the BBQ Pulled Duck with aged gouda on a pretzel bun. My sides were sweet potato fries and spicy green beans. My meal was scrump-dilli-cious; yes, I just made up a word.

What impressed me was everything on my plate was tasty, even the sweet potato fries, which I've never taken a liking to until now. Two small issues I had with my food -- a tad overcooked beans and unmelted gouda -- were minor. I left nothing on my plate.

Would I recommend this place? You can tell by this point, right. Will I return? No doubt, whether it's to watch a game or just grab a bite to eat while hanging out or passing through the South Loop.

The Scout Review, Part II