McAvoy's: Hot Music and Old Friends

Ever been at one of those wonderful divey neighborhood joints where the food is good, the music is great and you're always sure to run into an old friend? Well, tucked away in a strip of shops in Parkville is just such a place. 

McAvoy’s is nestled in the center of the Putty Hill Shopping Center, just a short couple of miles from Perry Hall. When you walk in off the sidewalk there is a multi-used space with a little of everything: A long bar off to the left, a smallish stage on the right, pool tables further back on the right, and then some individual tables scattered about in the middle of the room. The room is dark, worn, and at the same time, as welcoming as an old friend. Crawl up to the bar and have a cold one or wander further back into a smaller private dining room.

McAvoy’s was formerly known as Putty Hill Station. It was purchased and revamped in 2008 by Diane and Bill Schmittinger and Maria and Adam Bloom. Maria and Adam are the on-site daily managers who love to have fun and make their customers feel at home. McAvoy’s is named after Bill’s grandfather. The venue hosts all sorts of entertainment events, as well as daily food and drink specials—my recipe for a good time!

Monday nights you can get crabs for $1.50 each (minimum 6 crabs with 2 drinks and no take outs on any leftovers). Tuesday night at McAvoy’s is 29-cent Wing Night. Wednesday and Thursday nights you can play Texas Hold ‘Em while eating all the spaghetti you can hold for only $5.95 (Wednesdays) or drinking $1.50 domestic drafts (Thursdays). Catered event planning is also available.   

McAvoy’s also has an attached liquor store that is open seven days a week. Store hours are 11 a.m.-2 a.m., so there's no excuse to be “out” of your favorite beverage.

And if you love the purple and black, you’ll be happy to know McAvoy’s hosts Raven’s Roost #82 which formed in 2004. The initial members were a community of friends that frequented Putty Hill Station. Meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. 

Best of all, you can see live bands on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. McAvoy’s house band is the Rat Pack, which plays every Sunday night. The Rat Pack features Rick (R) on guitar, Angelo (A) on bass, and Taso (T) on drums. Clever, huh? These guys are a who’s who of exceptional local musicians with pedigrees longer than I have space to write. The Rat Pack lays down some nice, or dirty, rock 'n' roll from 10 p.m. until whenever they throw you out. 

Friday and Saturday’s entertainment changes week to week. Upcoming concerts include a reunion show for the Urge this upcoming weekend and Tony Sciuto’s band is playing Friday, April 1.

You may remember Tony, a local boy who made good in the music world. He played guitar with the Little River Band for several years. He also was in Uncle Jessie’s band on ABC’s Full House sitcom and toured with John Stamos for a brief period. He was big in Japan and also did a stint with local rockers Never Never. He knows how to rock the house, so I would definitely try to make this show if possible. 

The rest of April's featured bands include Core, ICU and Prestige.

Be advised that there is usually a cover charge when bands are playing (they've gotta have gas money to make it home after the gig) and also expect McAvoy’s to be crowded and loud on Fridays and Saturdays.

Plenty of your friends will be there having a good time, so come out and join ‘em!