Arizona Republic from Phoenix, Arizona • Page 61

Z2 MIDWEEK JUNE 2, 2010 Irish eatery like a community center Lis Doon Varna garners Critics' Pick for Best Neighborhood Bar in W. Valley By Jeffrey Javier The Republic azcentral.com Steve Goumas, owner of Irish Pub and Restaurant Lis Doon Varna, is quick to point out that the way they do business is different from the typical sports bar or restaurant. The cozy pub named after a small town in Ireland is the Critics' Pick for Best Neighborhood Bar in the West Valley. Lis Doon Varna opened two years ago, just off 83rd Avenue south of Bell Road, by the owners of Tempe's popular Rula Bula. At Lis Doon Varna, the Irish theme extends deeper than its authentic rustic cottage exterior and its furnishings imported directly from the emerald isle.

"We operate the pub just like they do in Ireland," Goumas said. "In Ireland, pubs are considered community centers, a place where everyone goes to catch up on the news, and conversation is the main activity." Goumas said because the restaurant is so large, it can easily accommodate groups of 12 to 20 people without reservations. And unlike other restaurants that rush guests out the door after their meal, the staff will accommodate those who choose to stay awhile. Distinct from most restaurant and bar combinations, TVs are absent from the main dining hall and the two smaller cottage-themed rooms. Instead they are placed outside near the two patio bars.

Contemporary European music plays over the sound system and live acoustic performances are featured on Saturday and Sunday. Traditional Irish musicians perform on Wednesdays. "We don't have headbanger (rock music) or rap music," he said. "We have music that helps provide a relaxed atmosphere." Peoria resident Heath Ander- Lis Doon Varna 16100 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Drive, Peoria.

623-979-0730. lisdoonvarnapub.com. son is a regular at the Arrowhead-area pub. He'll celebrate his 40th birthday there this week. After he banters with the bartender and takes a swig of his beer, Anderson said he's been pleased with the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and its divergence from the "token sports bar." "I don't want an ocean of TVs with 900 games going on at the same time and I don't want music blasting so loud that I can't hear my friends talk," he said.

Anderson said a bar should be a place to relax and that it's impossible "if you can't hear yourself think." Goumas said Lis Doon Varna is more of a restaurant than a pub with a menu of hearty Irish fare and a family-oriented atmosphere. "We're all ages and that goes in line with the community center approach," Goumas said. He added that board games are available for families to enjoy whiletheywaitfordinnerandthe cozy cottage atmosphere, complete with cupboards, utensils, and a sewing table, helps accentuate that feeling of home. Phoenix residents Jim and Phoebe Baker brought their family of six to celebrate Phoebe's birthday and their two sons' high school and kindergarten graduations. Phoebe described Lis Doon Varna as like "stepping into a different world." Jim said he had no doubt that his family will be back.

"Every single dish was good," he said after a quick bite of his food. 3 -KAM a I' cottage look of Ireland. Inside, the a neighborhood gathering place. r1 jv-; it 1 1 '1 Lis Doon Varna's exterior evokes the welcoming atmosphere that makes it 'A a sJy 0 DAVID KADLUBOWSKITHE REPUBLIC restaurant and pub provides a.