While nothing in the known universe can replace Carlos Santana, the Mexican-born rock guitarist whose band, Santana, broke new ground with its fusing of rock, salsa, and jazz sounds, it appears Maria Maria, the restaurant inspired by the musician, can be -- by a beer-craving maned beast.

Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill, the restaurant and bar that combines "the traditional values of European and American pubs," will open its first Arizona venue at Tempe Marketplace.

From the Portland-based business, Concept! Entertainment, the new Thirsty Lion, with two locations in Oregon, will feature a diverse variety of craft, import, and domestic beers on draft, half-pound gourmet burgers, and live local, national, and European sports on large plasma screens.

(Insert sound of lion's roar here.)

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