Scotty's Brewhouse steals 'Best Burger' award from Opie Taylor's

Few restaurants are awarded with the honor of being the "Best Restaurant in Bloomington" two years in a row -- and this year, Scotty's Brewhouse not only has that distinction, but it has also made a name for its burger.\n"We use the best black Angus beef patties. They're half-pound patties, and it's hard to find other burgers that are a half pound," says General Manager Matt Whisler. "They're made with love by people who genuinely care and are excited about what they're doing."\nThe employees' devotion shows, as Scotty's is now also named for having the "Best Burger" in Bloomington.\nIt's not just the boast-worthy burger that merits accolades. The bluesy atmosphere and service that has set Scotty's from the rest of the pack makes for some very satisfied customers. \n"My family and I always make an effort to go to Scotty's," says freshman Meg Williams. "They have great food. I've always had a great time when I go there."\nLocated at 106 N. Walnut St., the restaurant's ambience is the background music of the jazz and blues from the eras of Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Coltrane and Louis Armstrong, giving Scotty's a classy, big city feel in a college town environment. It also offers al fresco eating on the sidewalk at individual tables underneath umbrellas. Combined with the swanky sounds of classic jazz, customers will feel like they're having an evening of high-class dining out in New York or L.A. right here in southern Indiana.\nAnd Scotty's goes above and beyond putting the "brew" in "Brewhouse." With their extensive selection of 30 draught beers, 34 types of bottled beer and 10 types of wine, diners can expect to wet their whistle with a visit to Scotty's.\nBut the alcoholic beverage repertoire by no means limits the restaurant's patronage to more mature customers. An impressive menu that would be pleasing to anyone's palette welcomes customers of all ages: choices range from desserts such as root beer floats, chocolate malts and carrot cake, to formidable favorites like the famed half-pound black Angus beef burgers, homemade BBQ sauce, seasoned steak fries and "kick-ass quesadillas." Both the variety and quality of food served has given Scotty's such a reputation in Bloomington dining.\nThe Scotty's legacy can be traced back to 1996 in Muncie, where the then newly-formed venue quickly became a popular "watering hole" for Ball State students on campus. The restaurant's success allowed for another location to be opened here in Bloomington in 2001.\nThe owner of Scotty's (yes, the Scotty) and a friend from high school teamed up to expand the business from their stomping grounds in Muncie. And when a local parking garage was searching for a commercial tenant for its ground floor, IU was ready to usher the burgers and beer of Scotty's into Bloomington. West Lafayette also greeted another venue in January 2004.\nThe restaurant has become well-known and well-loved in the past four years -- not only because of its infamous menu but for its involvement with the community. Scotty's sells T-shirts to help raise money for the Red Cross's hurricane relief efforts and is participating in the Toys for Tots program for the first time starting Nov. 7. \nScotty's also has a regular schedule of events, such as Monday Night Football every week with a chance to win tickets to Colts games. Karaoke (with a cover charge of $3) takes place every Friday night. \nUnique promotions also put Scotty's in a different league. The Brewhouse lives up to its name once again with its "Round the Vine" program. Patrons must order a glass of every wine Scotty's has to offer over a course of ninety days. Conveniently enough, the only night participation is allowed is every Thursday -- half-price wine night. Customers who check off the entire list win a free $25 Scotty's gift card.\nWith its many award-worthy traits -- good food, good service and being an all-around good restaurant -- the "Best Restaurant" designation goes to a worthy recipient for the second year in a row.\n"We think this is awesome. We are honored," Whisler says. "We pride ourselves in the quality of our food, and when we got Best Burger, we were extremely excited. That's what we shoot for. Encompassing everything -- great service, great food, the whole thing"