Scottish Arms with its pressed-tin ceiling, dimly-lit booths, white table cloths, and robust menu is a cozy haven for the pub’s many loyal fans.
The Scottish Arms brought back memories of devouring a ploughman and pint in a vintage pub. The dark wood decor and divided bar and dining area are all reminiscent of pubs scattered throughout the British Isles. Tucked away on a side street (Sarah) in the Central West End, the charming watering hole wreaks with authenticity.
The lunch menu amazes with zippy salads and enticing sandwiches and entrees.
Pub v. Bar
So how does a pub differ from a bar? Pubs have more character and are likely to offer a wider menu. They often come with darkened corners, dart boards, and astounding pub grub. Scottish Arms offer such classics as Fish n’ Chips, Haggis Fritters, Bangers and Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, and such global delicacies as German Schnitzel, Indian Korma, and a Cuban Sandwich.
What’s in a Name?
In the UK, pubs frequently have hilarious names painted on comical signage: The Drunken Duck; Cat & Canary; The Three Legged Mare; Durty Nelly’s or Dirty Dick’s; The Quiet Woman; The Jolly Judge, and The Last Drop just to name a few.
Owner Alister “Ally” Nisbet saved the funny name for his other gastropub, the Shaved Duck, located in the Tower Grove neighborhood. He offers some of Duck’s pulled pork at the flagship location.
The perfect place to sip and sup on a lazy summer afternoon.
Haddock served with the Harvest Salad of blueberries, strawberries, arugula, pecans, goat cheese, and thyme-berry vinaigrette.
Pulled Pork alongside the Monticello Salad of greens, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, artichokes, parmesan, and house, white balsamic dressing.
Owner Alister “Ally” Nisbet, who hails from Aberdeen, opened the very proper Scottish pub in 2005, so it’s not all that historic, it just feels that way.
Part of the historic feel comes from this stunning bar. The friendly bartender explained that the hand-carved woodwork framing the mirrors was originally in one of the 1904 World’s Fair buildings.
Haste Ye Back!
(In the spirit of full disclosure, my maternal grandmother was of the Armstrong clan.) 🙂
The Scottish Arms. 8 South Sarah, Central West End. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11a-3p; Happy Hour: Mon 3p-6p, 9p-12a; Tues-Fri 3p-6p; Sun 9p-12a. Brunch: Sat & Sun 10a-3p.
