Its slogan is: "Good food, good blues, good brew, good people," and Scotty's Brewhouse is all that and more.

Whether you're looking for new brews to sample, a menu with variety or a quiet place to sit outside and chat with a first date, Scotty's is the place.

The mood

With its college-town tradition (Muncie, Bloomington, West Lafayette), Scotty's is accustomed to catering to a diverse crowd. There's ample patio seating for dining al fresco, along with a fire pit for talking and table-waiting.

Inside, red brick walls and a large bar join flat-screen TVs and tables with barstools creating typical pub appeal.

The food

Scotty's offerings range from soups and salads to sandwiches and wraps. There are $5 daily lunch specials that include a tuna salad sandwich and a mile-high grilled cheese (three slices of sourdough toast with American, Swiss, mozzarella and cheddar in between).

My sister, Deb, was taken by the side dishes. She chose macaroni and cheese ($2), requesting a topping of blue cheese crumbles ($1), and mashed potatoes (loaded with bacon, the potatoes cost $4). The mac and cheese was pure comfort food, and the mashed potatoes were equally satisfying with creamy garlic and bacon. Both were generous servings (almost enough for two).

I chose the three-soup sampler: creamy chicken and rice, tomato tortellini and creamy potato ($6). Of the three offerings, I would choose a bowl full of the creamy potato next time. My second choice was the tomato tortellini. The chicken and rice was a little too rich for my tastes. The trio came with a crusty French roll for dipping.

The drinks

I had a cola ($2); my sister had unsweetened tea ($2). Our waiter never let our glasses get less than three-fourths low.

The damage: $18.36

Scotty's is a hopping place. It bustled on a recent Friday with a lunchtime crowd. I've heard it's equally popular with the happy hour and dinner crowds.

By T.J. Banes