Fado

Reviews 4

PA

Patrick Logan

Wow, where to start. The WORST customer service experience I have ever had. My wife and I drove down from Dallas. The band was to start at 9:30PM. We arrived early around 8PM, so we would be able to get a seat. We were not allowed inside unless we paid a $10 cover, because they were showing the UFC fights. We were directed to go to the side patio for the live music. So, I cant comment on what the inside looks like, but the patio area was pretty small for a live band. It only had a handful of very large tables that could fit around 6-8 people with most only having a couple of people sitting at them. I had to track down a waitress to take our drink order. My wife got a cider draft beer, and I got a Guinness draft. They cost $7.50 each which I felt was a little high for the area. There were two huge tables that were empty that said reserved until 8:30 on them. So, we stood next to them around 8:30PM just in case no one showed up. That way we would have a seat. Around 9PM I went to our waitress and explained the time had passed on the reservations, and asked if we could sit there. She said go ahead. The table we picked was closer to the stage but all the chairs were missing except for one. I let my wife sit, and I stood next to her. About 10 min later some young girls at the table next to us said we need to move, because they had the table reserved, and they had friends showing up later. I explained to her how reservations work, and it was way past 8:30PM and no one was sitting there. The young lady went on saying derogatory things toward me. I just ignored her and turned around. Her friend then asked if they could share the table with us. I said I didnt have a problem with that. A few minutes later the waitress came over, and asked if we could move from the table now that one person showed up. I said I didnt feel that was right, since they missed their reservations. I also told the waitress we had just agreed to share the table with them. The waitress went and got the manager John OBrien. He came over and was very rude right from the start. His first words were "you need to move now". WOW, not "Hi", or "Thanks for coming out tonight". Not, "Sorry but can I move you somewhere else". When I tried to explain to him that the reservation was at 8:30 and it was almost 9:30, he said that it didnt matter. He could do what he wanted. He insulted my wife, so she crumpled up the piece of paper that had the reservation and tossed it since he said it meant nothing. He took her beer, and said we were kicked out. He then put his hand on my arm and started pushing me. I told him to get his hands off me. He did and said he was calling the cops. I told him no need for that, we would leave since good paying customers are not wanted. I guess this place is only for the regulars. In conclusion, I have gone to hundreds of bars around the country and that was the worst experience ever. Based on the yelp reviews I was looking forward to trying their food and watching the live band. I would NEVER go back to that bar no matter what.

LE

Leila Rahil

I have actually been here a handful of times over the years, but thought Id finally do a review based on a recent visit. There is usually no issue getting a table or bar seat the times I have come in and you can even make reservations via Open Table. I came w/a date on a Friday night around 10pm and the place was almost empty, but after we sat ourselves in an available booth/table, the place filled up inexplicably quick! It did take our waiter a hot sec to get to us, but he apologized for the wait and service was lightning fast thereafter. I had a black n tan here, which is kinda my go to at most Irish bars and it was perfection! My date at the lamb french dip and me being the reuben fiend that I am, had their offering for a late dinner. I have to say, I wasnt quite a fan of their reuben. Though it was really tasty, the slaw that they put on it had a sort of odd flavor that honestly conflicted w/the nice flavor of the meat. Also, it was a little drier than I would have liked. I dont like my reubens soggy, but I like the sauce to at least lightly drizzle when I bite into it. I am also a sucker for some good fries, and their thick cut "chips" are where its at here, especially when accompanied by their Guiness BBQ and Guiness Mayo (if you mix the two, you have the best thing to put a fry in outside of your mouth!). My date said his lamb french dip was good and their au jus is on point, so I think w/my underwhelming reuben experience, that will be next on the hit list. If you are wandering around downtown, stopping in for a brew and bite is always a safe bet here, especially quasi-late night.

SE

Seher Dholakia

Ive been to Fado on many occasions and just havent been impressed. When youre located next to other great bars and restaurants downtown, there needs to be something that sets you apart. While Fado does have a great selection of beer on tap, nothing else really draws me to the place. And the fact that its drinks and beer are kinda pricey definitely doesnt help. The beer selection is definitely expansive. However, dont expect anything Flying Saucer-like. When I say expansive, I mean, larger than Cedar Street right next door. So basically they have more beers than Lone Star and Shiner. My personal favorite is Hoegaarden since this is one of the few places that actually has Hoegaarden on draft, and it runs about $7 for a pint, which is kinda pricey in my opinion. However, they also have beer flights which one of my friends is a fan of if you want to try multiple beers. Their food mostly resembles typical bar food - chips, burgers, sandwiches, sliders, etc. with the addition of some "typical Irish fare," or so they call it. This basically includes fish and chips, shepards pie, etc. and is not really anything spectacular. The one food menu item that Ive had that Ive actually been impressed with is their Bleu Cheese Lamb Sliders - they were actually delicious and the lamb was so tender and moist. Also, Im a sucker for bleu cheese. But again, the menu is pretty pricey.

JE

Jeff Turpin

Without having been to Ireland, this place seems like its pretty much the real deal, and it blows away all other Irish food Ive had in the States. We started with the fish and chips, and they were magnificent. Long pieces of wild-caught cod battered and fried to perfection. The batter is incredibly flavorful and leads to what is probably the best battered fish Ive ever had. The fries were fries. Nothing unexpected. The tarter sauce was quite delicious and I used it to dip most of the fries. We also ate the corned beef rolls, which are Irish boxty (potato pancake) with corned beef and a mustard sauce and topped with shredded cabbage and horseradish mayo. It was quite good, although for some reason, I thought the boxty would be more crisp. We finished up with some shepherds pie. This version was a very meaty, brown-gravy based version. It was good, but different than what I usually make at home. I would say this version is very simple yet hearty. It was delicious, however. We had no room for dessert. In short, I think this restaurant serves pretty good food, especially for a pub in downtown Austin. I would definitely come back as I have a number of items I wish to try.