I had a good feeling about Fado from the start, as their website had a full schedule of soccer games to be shown in the pub. Any place that lists their Sunday hours as "Early...See Sports Schedule" had to be OK in my book. I was still a bit concerned however, as I've watched many United games in various bars, and I tend to get weird looks when I ask the bartender to turn on Fox Soccer. The game was not until 1:45pm, but we walked by around 10am just to check it out and get a feel for what lay ahead. As we walked through the outside bar area of the pub, the United gear on the walls, and the fans in their jerseys already enjoying a brew, made it clear we were definitely in the right place.
We returned about an hour later to find the place absolutely packed. Austin it seems is home to a loyal group of Reds, and they were already enjoying themselves, a full 3 hours before the start of the match. We grabbed what I felt had to be the last table in the place, and settled in for what was sure to be a long, but incredibly fun afternoon.Since it was lunch time, we decided to order some food, assuming that getting service might be difficult once the game had actually started. This assumption proved right on, as soon the pub was standing room only, and there was no way our poor server would have been able to fight through with a tray full of food. We started with a cheese dip, which was served with boxty wedges. The dip was good, but the real hit were the boxty wedges, which I couldn't seem to stop eating. Next, we moved on to some chicken tenders, which were fried in a light batter, and had more resemblance to sweet and sour chicken, than the typical over fried tenders in most restaurants. Both dishes were solid pub fare, and my only regret from our visit to Fado is that I was unable to explore more of the menu.
As the game got underway, I could not have been happier. Songs and chants filled the air from the overwhelming number of United supporters. And at any moment I was sure the place would explode, should the boys in Red find the back of the net. Barcelona struck first, and while the response was measurable, it was nothing compared to when Wayne Rooney struck back.... (careful, the true volume kicks in halfway through)
Sadly, glory in London was not to be United's that day, as Barcelona proved that they're not only the best team in the world, but perhaps the best ever assembled. Win or lose, the day would not have been nearly as fun were it not for Austin's Fado Irish Pub. The food is good, but the atmosphere is why you visit. There are many locations across the country, and if you ever find yourself looking for a proper pub, or just a good time in general, Fado is sure to deliver.
Enjoy Your Stay
