Some days it seems like there are more Irish pubs than there are Irish drunks in this city -- and on those days I wish more of the pubs were like Fado. Decorated with a mix of furniture and lots of dark-wood, the restaurant at 15th and Locust has an authentic feel. Sliding into one of Fado's comfortable wooden armchairs to grab a pint with a friend is instantly relaxing -- and so is the Guinness on tap. The atmosphere and d‚cor are topped off by the staff, most of whom are from the homeland.
The sports at the bar as from across the pond as well. For those who need an excuse to drink before noon, the satellite broadcasts of major football matches (that's soccer to the people who aren't regulars) always attract an enthusiastic crowd. When there's nothing better on, the place also shows more American fare like baseball and hockey.
The real draw, however, is the Irish Breakfast ($9.50) which comes with a truly Irish set of lucky charms: two eggs, Irish sausage, black and white pudding, rashers and baked beans. The plateful of food also includes a delicious slice of brown bread that's great for mopping up the little bit of lager that always ends up stuck at the bottom of your glass. In general, if you enjoy the breakfast it's probably best not to ask how they make it. You really don't want to know what black and white pudding is.
Fans of the potato famine will enjoy the Boxty ($11.95), which are basically wraps made with potato pancakes. The selections of stuffing for these are varied (and admittedly not altogether Irish) -- steak and mushrooms, barbecue chicken and seafood are all options. The Boxty, like the rest of the menu, is hearty without leaving you needing to lie down after you finish eating.
So while the food and loud sports fans may not make Fado a great place to nurse a hangover there's little doubt that this pub is the perfect place to start working on one.
