Downtown
Fado Irish Pub
214 W 4th St
Austin,
TX
78701
Map
Phone: (512) 457-0172
| Cuisine: | English |
| Irish |
Price: $ = $15 and less
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Traditional Irish fare in a traditional Irish pub setting. Lots of nooks and crannies for intimate conversation over dinner.
"Fourth Street in the warehouse district has evolved in the last several years. From a decidedly laid back strip with a few scattered bars and coffee houses, the place has become as old James Taylor once said, "a churning urn of burning funk." Humanity, much of it female, engulfs you at every turn. It's become the quintessential yuppie destination, with power restaurants like Mezzaluna and Sullivan's, Toney Seafood emporiums like Truluck's and Gilliga....
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Traditional Irish fare in a traditional Irish pub setting. Lots of nooks and crannies for intimate conversation over dinner.
"Fourth Street in the warehouse district has evolved in the last several years. From a decidedly laid back strip with a few scattered bars and coffee houses, the place has become as old James Taylor once said, "a churning urn of burning funk." Humanity, much of it female, engulfs you at every turn. It's become the quintessential yuppie destination, with power restaurants like Mezzaluna and Sullivan's, Toney Seafood emporiums like Truluck's and Gilligan's, funky doo dad spots like Malaga and Saba Bluewater and the exotic Cedar Street located between them. Through and about every one of these places, particularly from Wednesday to Saturday nights, moves a cornucopia of Austin's finest young professionals. They eat, drink, laugh, dance and thank God they're not living in Beaumont.
One of the epicenters of all this nocturnal frenzy is the Irish styled pub, Fado, which is next to Saba. While they've attempted an Irish flavor here, the mood is still decidedly Austin. You can get your Guinness, and Bass, and Harps on draft to be sure. But most pubs I've been to in Ireland are rather severe on the ambience side. And, to make things worse, until recently, they had to close, by law, at 11pm. Fado, by contrast, is warm and inviting, and last time I was there, about a quarter to midnight, the joint was absolutely rocking.
Food: First trip I tried the signature corn beef and cabbage. The cabbage tasted like it had been sautéed instead of boiled and it was wonderful. Served over a mountain of lightly mashed potatoes, the corn beef had a great texture and taste. A little bit too much grizzle in places for my palate. Work on that, and its perfect!
Another Irish staple is the Boxy, found in rural Irish villages. This is essentially a potato pancake, rolled and stuffed with filling. They've successfully replicated this dish here at Fado. There are several to choose from and I suggest you do. You also must try the all day Irish breakfast. This consists of two eggs, gal tee Irish sausages (which the British call bangers), rashers, black and white puddings, baked beans, (yeah, I know that sounds a bit odd) tomatoes and brown bread. But I'll tell you what, it works! I loved it.
The kitchen's open late at Fado, and that's good, because one needs food to wash down all the Guinness. Whether you're in the demographic target group or not, you need to check this place out."
-- Rob Balon, Restaurant Critic
Read Brief
Hours
Call
Meals Served
Dinner
Late Night
Dress Code
Casual
Amenities
- Outdoor dining
- Romantic dining
- Credit cards
- Smoking available
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| One of my new favourite restaurants/bars |  |
Posted by Yttocs on 07/07/07
I visited Fado last night and had the best pub grub since I was in England last autumn. Several times I felt as though I was actually back across the pond: the nooks and crannies are perfect for lone dining or crowd pleasing, the beer was lovely and the food was simple and delish (albeit a bit pricy; better deals at lunch), and the staff was friendly and attentive. If pub grub and old world stylings are your cup of tea, don't miss out on this 4th street hangout!
| Fantastic food and service |  |
Posted by anon on 03/02/07
I regularly come to this cute little pub for great food, drinks, and friendly service. Although Fado is a traditional bar, the food is outstanding and reasonably priced. They have great sandwiches and burgers, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage, lamb stew, and other comfort foods. The specials change regularly and are always tasty. Try the bread pudding for dessert. You won't regret it!
| Just Like Ireland |  |
Posted by LynnTex on 08/08/06
The person that said Fado is ugly has obvioulsy never been in an authentic Irish pub. I was in Ireland last year and Fado does and excellent job of creating the pub ambience. They even have Taytos..the potato chips that you see in Irish pubs. Check it out if you want to feel like you're in Ireland.
