Scalzo’s Serves Sports by Day, Music by Night

If you’re driving south on the Orange Freeway, it’s hard to miss Scalzo’s.

There’s the bright-red sign that beckons from below on Nutwood Avenue. And the building itself looks like an Italian villa, with its rough antique finish, red-brick tile and white pillars.

Come closer and you’ll notice the sign above the entrance--the one that reads: “Welcome, it’s a great day at Scalzo’s.”

This combination bar and restaurant is managed by brothers Brian and Nick Scalzo, who are also part owners. It has been open about two years.

The bar caters to youthful clientele with a mix of live music and DJ Dave cranking high-energy sounds between band sets. (Brian imparts his strategy for success this way: “Guys like live bands; women like high-energy music.”)

In the afternoon Scalzo’s is more of a sports bar. Patrons can watch televised games on one of seven TV sets or shoot pool and play darts. Various pro and college team names and logos adorn the walls. You can even visit the restroom without missing any of the game because a monitor is conveniently located in . . . well, you figure it out.

At night the bar turns into a thriving nightclub. Black lights and strobe lights surround the small dance floor highlighting the dancers. Music videos appear on monitors.

For a breather from the crush, there’s a pleasant, open-air patio where you can purchase drinks on tap (Natural Light, Miller and Chablis) if you’d rather not go back inside to the full-service bar.

Reggae is showcased every Wednesday here, with live bands (such as the recent offering, Sapadilla) along with $1 drinks. Thursday through Saturday nights feature live rock ‘n’ roll, and bands range from Top 40s outfits to alternative rock groups.

Be advised: Saturday nights are often standing-room only. The crowd’s likely to be fashionably dressed and the dance floor a constant swirl of bodies in motion.

On Wednesday and Thursday the cover charge is $2, Friday it’s $3 and Saturday night admission is $4. The bands start playing at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Scalzo’s Bar & Grill Italia, 2736 E. Nutwood Ave., Fullerton. Open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight (or later, depending on business), Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (714) 871-2999.