“We’re technically still in our soft opening phase,” says owner Aron Larson, sporting a monogrammed polo shirt that matches the restaurant’s interior.
“I’d like to get our act down before we have the grand opening,” he says.
The bar itself stands alone as a space for remarkable potential. Larson and childhood friend Jake Miller had to gut the space, formerly a copy shop, and build a bar and restaurant from the ground up. Larson points out that there was no infrastructure or ductwork. In fact, up until now the Paulsen Building had never held a tenant of this sort in its history. Its epic floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the entire restaurant on both Washington and Riverside are outfitted with outward-facing tables, perfect for people watching while enjoying a light lunch.
The menu is pretty basic to start, and Larson comments that there will be late-night options to come, as well as six to eight more items on the lunchtime slate. All items, such as the Asian infusion chicken wings ($9) come served in bowls, and hover below the $10 mark, an intentional move on their part.
“We want to keep everything under $10, and we’ll never fry anything. We want to keep it fresh and light,” says Larson.
Save for the chips that prop up a sandwich in Bowl’z, you’ll never have to worry about the greasy consequences a night of too many pints may bring. Staying true to any Spokane bar, though, Larson also promises that karaoke night, as well as some live acts will soon arrive. Currently, they host UFC fight nights, as well as a live DJ, a dartboard and daily happy-hour specials.
But don’t write this joint off as just another sports bar. Along with a few other local establishments, Bowl’z was selected to be a participant in Blue Moon’s Artfully Downtown, a contest that gives locals a chance at national recognition by featuring their artwork (the winner is decided during a pub crawl in the fall) on the label of one of their seasonal brews.
Bowl’z Bitez and Spiritz • 401 W. Riverside • Open Mon-Fri 11:30 am- 2:00 am, Sat-Sun 5 pm-2 am • 808-9750
