POULSBO — Rob Difilippo and Tammy Mattson saw something was missing from downtown Little Norway and with the opening of Tizley’s Euro Pub in May, they believe they’ve found the perfect addition.

“We have both worked on Front Street and it was really, really obvious to us where the gap was in Poulsbo,” Mattson said.

Mattson said she has enjoyed watching Front Street improve through the years, so the pub seemed like a natural fit.

“We are going to bring a little Europe to Little Norway,” she said with a hint of laughter.

While the word pub may create visions of smoke-filled rooms with the stench of spilled beer, Mattson said the idea of a “Euro pub” is more in the lines of a public house.

“It’s more reflective of a family-friendly environment and is a very comfortable place where all ages can come,” she said. “Oftentimes pubs in the states are equated to an over 21 crowd, and that’s not the case here.”

The journey of the dream becoming reality began in May 2005 but it took one year to renovate the former apartment into a distinctly European pub.

“It was a lot of construction and it was exactly one year,” Mattson said, noting that the pub opened its doors for the first time on May 9.

Opening in May has allowed the pub to take advantage of the seasonal foot traffic, but it has already developed a loyal local following, she said.

“We’ve been so thrilled to have a number of repeat guests, and we feel like we’re becoming a part of the community rather than a tourist trap,” she said.

In addition to its 12 brews on tap, 28 regularly served bottled ales and seven single-malt scotches, Tizley’s boasts a distinctly German menu complemented by rotating dishes from other European countries.

“Our menu has a core of Bavarian dishes such as brats and schnitzels, and we’re using the rest of the menu to act as a platform for other European countries,” Mattson said.

Currently the pub is serving dishes such as shepherd’s pie and an Irish boxty, which is the current favorite, she said.

The pub also prides itself in using as many local vendors as possible, and features Uli’s sausages and breads and desserts from Sluys Bakery, she said.

For families with children, who might not be interested in trying a boxty or shepherd’s pie, Mattson said they have a kids’ menu that covers the basics, but added that once kids try the schnitzel, most like it.

Even though the downstairs section of the pub is still under construction, Tizley’s offers outdoor seating on its deck, which offers a bird’s eye view of Front Street.

“We plan on keeping it open as much as possible unless there’s inclement weather,” she said.

When renovations on the downstairs portion of the pub are completed, it will showcase a European deli with sliced meats and cheeses for sale and will eventually serve as the catering hub for the restaurant, she said.

“Business has been better than anticipated, and we’re thrilled,” Mattson said.