By Dave Ficere
In recent years, it’s become cliché to compare a neighborhood bar and grill to Cheers, the fictional bar from the TV show of the same name. But, clichés are usually based – at least in part – on truth, and one Deer Valley establishment has become known as a place for regulars who know each other’s names as well as those in the neighborhood needing to whet their whistle or chow down on some good home cooking.
The Tav Bar & Grill, located at 22034 North 19th Avenue, is just such a place. Formerly known as The Flight Line, regular customers were delighted when the establishment reopened this past January with new owners who wanted to have “A place where people can come as they are with a very relaxing, inviting atmosphere.”
Owners Brigett and Jason Gorder are no strangers to what it takes to run a successful bar and grill. Brigett owned Brigett’s on Cave Creek Road for 13 years before selling it last November and currently owns Bambino’s Sports Grill at 39th and Happy Valley Road, which opened in 2013. With two businesses and two kids, the Gorders have no problem keeping busy! In fact, the name Tav is not only short for Tavern, but it’s a combination of the names of their children, Tyson and Ava.
“We pride ourselves on the friendly and professional staff at The Tav,” Brigett says, “and we’ve acquired a great reputation for the food we serve, which is fresh, flavorful food and not your typical bar food.” She describes The Tav as a neighborhood bar and grill where people meet their friends at a more up-to-date bar and grill than many of their competitors in the area.
While running a bar and grill isn’t for everyone, Brigett says she learned the ropes at a young age and has a knack for what it takes. She started waiting tables at the age of 15, put herself through college tending bar and worked at a place where customers kept asking her if she was the owner. After several offers to manage similar places for other owners, she realized the signs seemed to be pointing toward having her own place.
“People think it’s easy, but it’s not,” she says. “A lot of people say they want to own their own bar or restaurant, but they have no idea how to do it and the long hours required to succeed,” she adds.
Brigett says The Tav’s location just north of Deer Valley Road means they draw a diversified clientele, including employees from Honeywell, the Arizona Republic and other businesses in the area. In addition, The Tav draws in people from the neighborhood, as well as some regulars from the days of Flight Line.
In addition to the fresh food, customers especially appreciate (and rave about) The Tav’s several different flavors of wings. “Our pork wings are phenomenal,” Brigett says “and people keep coming back for more.” Ava’s famous fish tacos (named after her daughter) get a lot of praise, as well.
In addition to great food, The Tav offers nightly dining and drink specials and Karaoke Thursday-Sunday nights. Other entertainment includes seven 60-inch flat screen TVs and Directv for sporting events. The Tav also has dart boards, a pool table and a table-top trivia game for customers to enjoy.
You can visit their website, tav.bar, for the full menu and specials. They also have an interactive Facebook page. In addition, a mobile app is in the works which will allow customers to use it as a punch card for specials and incentives.
To learn more about The Tav, visit tav.bar, their Facebook page or just drop by. They’re located at 22034 North 19th Avenue, just north of Deer Valley Road. The Tav is open 11 am to 2 am seven days a week and you can call them at 623-580-1282.
