Scully’s Food, Service View Shine on Bayou
By Colleen Coffield Sachs
Daily News Columnist

FORT WALTON BEACH – I admit that I went to Scully’s on the Bayou, a restaurant at the foot of Cinco Bayou bridge, with a bit of trepidation.
  
I try to keep an open mind when going to a new place, but in the many restaurants that have occupied Scully’s location, I have had more mediocre meals than good. The building’s early occupant, Chan’s, provided consistently good fare, but since then it has been hit or miss.
  
I am happy to say that when we visited Scully’s, it was a hit. From personable service to good versions of casual food, Scully’s hit the mark throughout the meal.
  
Our appetizer selections got us off to a good start. Best of the bunch was a chicken quesadilla with a golden brown crust surrounding a cheesy middle filled with chunks of chicken. It was served with sour cream and a good salsa with a spicy hot kick.
  
We also tried crisp fritters with a creamy corn center. Other options included nachos (from plain cheese to Everything but the Kitchen Sink), chili and gumbo, taquitos, wings, and bread sticks. Sampler baskets let a group try from five to seven different appetizers.
  
The emphasis at Scully’s is on casual food that complements its sports theme. There are lots of fried options, sandwiches, and pizza.
  
Baskets, served with fries, chips or applesauce, include shrimp and chicken (plain or Buffalo-style) as well as fish. There are classic subs such as meatball, Italian steak and chicken Parmesan; and there are sandwiches including a club, a shrimp po boy and Reuben. Or try a burger, patty melt or foot-long chili dog.
  
The best bet at Scully’s is the pizza. The crust has good texture and flavor. I went simple with a white pizza. Instead of sauce, there was ricotta, Provolone, mozzarella and Parmesan. Garlic was added for good measure. Delicious.
  
Other specialty pizzas include spinach and ricotta, Greek pizza with Feta, and Italian steak with mushrooms and peppers. There are more than a dozen toppings offered to create your own combination. Strombolis and calzones start with the same pizza dough, but put the fillings on the inside.
  
Pasta entrees are also on the menu. Chicken Parmesan featured crisp fried chicken nuggets that were placed atop spaghetti, doused with red sauce and topped with mozzarella.
  
Traditional Fettuccini Alfredo is on the menu, as is a version topped with blackened chicken and pepper jack cheese. Spaghetti can be ordered plain or with meatballs, sausage or grilled chicken.
  
For a lighter entrée, try one of the salads. Choices include a Caesar, Greek, antipasta and chef’s salad.
  
We even had good luck with desserts. Pecan bourbon pie was sticky sweet but had flavor to match the sweetness. Cheesecake was basic but good, as was a chocolate sundae of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Servings were large, making sharing easy.

A kid’s menu has half a dozen choices (including grilled cheese, spaghetti, and chicken nuggets) that can be teamed with a side item (fries, salad, applesauce or goldfish crackers). A drink and treat are added for a flat price of $4.95.
  
There weren’t any kids there when we dined, and most patrons were either enjoying live music on the deck overlooking Cinco Bayou or having a drink and some food at the full service bar.
  
The building has been there for many years, and it definitely shows its age. But tables are large and we were comfortable. Adding to the atmosphere was a good view of the water and particularly good service. Our server was friendly and familiar with the extensive menu, including new additions.
  
Scully’s offers good versions of basic food along with good value, friendly service and a great view.

Scully’s on the Bayou

200 Eglin Parkway NE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 862-2542

Hours of operation

• Mon-Sat: 10:30 a.m. to midnight
• Sun: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

Price range

• Appetizers: $2.99 to $11.49
• Salads: $3.99 to $7.99
• Sandwiches & baskets: $5.49 to $10.49
• Entrees: $7.95 to $12.95
• Pizza: $9.95 to $18.95
• Desserts: $3.49 to $4.79
• Children’s menu: $4.95

Other information

• Reservations not necessary
• Handicap accessibility
• Children’s menu
• All major credit cards accepted

 

Colleen Coffield Sachs is restaurant reviewer for the Daily News. She dines unannounced at area restaurants for this column. You may write to her in care of the newspaper at P.O. Box 2949, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549.