Even before it opened for business last August, Dwyers generated considerable interest. Located on U.S. 41, just south of Barnes & Noble bookstore in south Fort Myers, Dwyers’ castle-like exterior was a subject of intrigue. Further, most people were curious about what to expect inside, in terms of food and atmosphere. Since then, many

Southwest Florida diners have discovered Dwyers’ unique blend of food, spirits and fun, served in an authentic Irish atmosphere. Just what is an authentic Irish atmosphere? For starters, it’s not focused on drinking. Although many Americans assume that a pub and a bar are one in the same, they’re only partially correct. The word “pub” is an abbreviation of “public house.” Accordingly, a true Irish pub is a community center, where people of all ages gather to socialize, eat and yes, occasionally share a pint or two. That same spirit of community can be found at Dwyers, which is owned and operated by James A. Dwyer, Jr., and his 12 grown children. The family, which migrated from New York to Chicago and then to Fort Myers in 1977, maintains strong ties to Ireland, where most of the extended family still lives. Also, the local Dwyer clan has a summer home in County Kilkenny at Mount Juliet. To ensure the look and feel of an actual Irish pub at their Fort Myers establishment, the Dwyer family enlisted the aid of Sonas Design Group in Dublin. Together, they designed a striking, two-story stone structure with a lavishly-appointed interior. In addition to the stone surfaces of the walls, floors and fireplaces, dark wood is used liberally. It is featured everywhere from the ceiling beams to the custom-designed dining tables, needlepoint chairs and miscellaneous furnishings imported from Ireland. There are also several stunning wooden bars strategically placed on the first and second floors. A varied menu and professional staff (many of whom recently relocated from Ireland) are among the numerous elements that make the pub and restaurant a popular destination for lunch and dinner. Combined with daily salmon, fresh catch and drink specials, and a choice of indoor or outdoor seating (for up to 300), Dwyers is an excellent place to either unwind or gear up, depending on your mood. Whether you’re looking for a light, late-night bite or a meal of substance, Dwyers has it. And yes, there are plenty of “American” dishes from which to choose. A single menu features clearly-divided sections, making it easy to read and order items ranging from appetizers, salads, soups and sandwiches to entrŽes, side dishes and Irish fare. Recently, Dwyers revamped its menu to include some new items along with its best sellers. Now, in addition to items such as the Grouper Sandwich, Reuben and Dwyers’ Burger, there is a B.L.T. and a Paddy Melt. Other newcomers include: Ale Battered Onion Straws, Irish Cheddar Bites (double-breaded, deep-fried cheese cubes served with creamy horseradish sauce), and the famed Irish Egg Rolls (filled with corned beef, cabbage, Swiss cheese and spices, then deep-fried with Thousand Island dressing). On a lighter note, there is a new Fruit Platter, a Chopped Salad (with greens, Cheddar cheese, bacon and more), and Maggie’s Chicken Salad (marinated chicken breast strips served atop greens with pea pods, water chestnuts and mandarin oranges, drizzled with low-fat mango vinaigrette and topped with rice noodles). There are also many other fish, chicken and beef entrees including the Chicken Marsala and Prime Rib of Beef (available in 6-, 10- and 14- ounce portions). You’d be remiss not to try the more traditional Irish Favorites, which include the Corned Beef and Cabbage, the Irish Stew (a delicious mix of fresh, seared lamb slow-cooked with vegetables), Chicken Pot Pie and Shepherd’s Pie, one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. The Shepherd’s Pie is available in a lunch portion for $6.95 or $9.95 for dinner. Otherwise, lunch and dinner portions and prices are identical, generally ranging from $4.95 - $9.95 (excluding some of the steaks, shrimp and other entrees). Dwyers has placed a major emphasis on live entertainment and always has a band playing on Thursday through Sunday nights, ranging from local talent to acts from across the country. Regular performances from Celtic Stew and monthly appearances by the New York-based sister act, The Screaming Orphans, who have helped Dwyers emerge as a weekend hot spot on the local club scene. The Orphans are actually the Diver sisters, a quartet from Donegal, Ireland, known for their high-energy blend of rock and tight harmonies. Sunday nights feature traditional Irish music, often from top-name performers such as Andy Cooney, billed as “Irish America’s Favorite Son.” Starting this spring, Thursday nights will be devoted to rhythm and blues from various local, regional and national artists. Mark your calendars for March 17, when Dwyers promises to host the area’s premier St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Festivities will be held indoors and outdoors beginning at 4 p.m. While a limited menu will be served inside, beer and food tents will be set up in the parking lot, which will be fenced in. Another major draw will be the entertainment provided by Irish dancers, the Harp and Thistle Pipe Band, and acts including Celtic Stew, The Screaming Orphans, local rock band LST and Irish singing sensation Katherine Fitzgerald. The $10 cover charge is a bargain considering the scope and caliber of entertainment offered. If you can’t make it to the St. Patty’s Day party, not to worry. Dwyers’ second-floor dining room, bar and outdoor patio are available for corporate meetings, sit-down dinners, wedding receptions and other private, catered affairs for up to 120 people.

(Dwyers is at 13851 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. Open 7 days from 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. for full menu and until 11 p.m. for limited Pub Grub menu, with extended hours on the weekend. For reservations or more information, please call (239) 425-0782 or visit www.Dwyers-Pub.com)