Ready for some rock with a side 'o fries?

No longer do you have to hop in the car for late night drives to see live music in Ballard, Belltown or Capitol Hill (and we thought life for Westside music fans was getting' good with the Georgetown's latest offerings).

Now, thanks to the new Skylark Cafe/ and Club on Delridge, we can have it all right here in the hood at a nice, affordable neighborhood price.

This 1,800-square-foot "garage chic" venue decorated with vintage Buick Skylark ads and found objects from the basement (former restaurants dating back to the 1930s) was modeled after a combo of cool Seattle clubs such as the Crocodile Caf/e (for its music and inexpensive food) and places like the old OK Hotel and Sit & Spin's (for their intimate rock club scene).

Skylark offers live music three nights a week, karaoke and open mic for up and comers and a cafe/ that serves brunch, lunch, dinner and more. Music starts at 9 p.m. and wraps up by midnight-a fine concept not only for the neighbors but also for the over 25 working class music fan who can't afford to be out all night in order to hear good tunes.

Owned by Jessie Summa-Kusiak (who is also the club's booking agent, a designer by trade and a musician herself) and operated by general manager Matthew Darling (a local personality with a draw all his own who many of you may know from Rocksport and Easy Street), Skylark is a long-time dream realized.

"For years we've wanted West Seattle to have its own music scene much like what the Ballard neighborhood has done for itself," smiles Summa-Kusiak. "And it's not much of stretch considering how many rock stars live here."

The new Westside venue is already booked into September featuring everything from alt-country and Americana to indie rock, punk, power pop, new wave, electronica, and experimental music. And local bands are loving it. Check out Bend next Friday the 28th from right here in West Seattle.

Beyond the bands, Skylark is also gaining momentum with Northwest music lovers as one of the only venues around town to offer no cover charge for live music.

"We want people to feel like they can come in off the street and try out a new band without a huge dollar commitment," says Summa-Kusiak.

This encourages people to explore music they might not normally see versus just going for a band name they know-opening doors to more possibilities for both bands and their potential fans.

But do not fret advocates of the arts, these bands still get paid (oftentimes more than they would by charging a cover) as Skylark gives them a percentage of bar and restaurant sales and sound people are paid separately. In fact many bands will bring an entourage of hungry and thirsty fans, fams and friends and make out quite well.

On the food front, head chef Tony Russo cooks up some serious comfort vittles offering weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, a special $4 happy hour menu, and one of West Seattle's only "after hours" late night dining options until 1:30 a.m.

For brunch you'll find entrees like Crab Cakes Benedict, Flapjacks and a tasty Tofu Scramble. Lunch and dinner share the same menu with offerings like the classic Monte Cristo sandwich, beer-battered Halibut Fish & Chips, and homemade meatballs, which you can sample in both the Old Man Russo's Meatball Sandwich, and the Spag & Balls house specialty pasta.

At Skylark's full bar, try the signature Pom Pom concocted with Pearl Pomegranate vodka and pomegranate juice or opt for a Fat Tire, Maney's or Stella on tap. The wine list is also impressive with offerings of Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc and Sagelands Cab-Merlot by the glass. The restaurant also serves Sleepless Coffee-roasted by a local West Seattleite. And families will be happy to know that the Skylark is only a 21 club after 9 p.m., so feel free to bring the kiddos by for a bite before then.

So if you're looking for killer eats and/or a place to rock out right here in the neighborhood-all without breaking the bank, wander on in to Skylark just south of the West Seattle bridge for a taste of local flavor.

(Information Box)

What:

Skylark Caf/e & Club

Where:

3803 Delridge Way SW

www.skylarkcafe.com

935.2111

When:

Mon: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tues: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (karaoke at 9:30 p.m.)

Weds: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (open mic at 9 p.m., signup 7 p.m.)

Thur: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (live music at 9 p.m.)

Fri: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (live music at 9 p.m.)

Sat: 9 a.m.-2 a.m. (brunch until 3 p.m., live music at 9 p.m.)

Sun: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (brunch)

Happy Hour is Mon-Fri: 3-7 p.m. (drink specials, $4 menu)

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