McDonagh's — Restaurant in Galway

Our family of four went here for lunch. Upon entering the place, I saw a sign on the counter that read “customers must order first before getting seated.” Fine. Two of us queued up to order and the other two spotted an empty table around the corner. We motioned for our mother to come over and sit (she is elderly) and wait while we were getting food. A rude waitress then told us very loudly that we weren’t allowed to sit there because we didn’t have food yet. I explained to her that two people were already in the queue to order for all four of us. She then insisted that if there are four people in the group, then ALL FOUR SHOULD BE IN THE QUEUE. Brilliant, eh?

So we decided to avoid an argument and just left the table altogether. The moment my mother got up, the waitress hurriedly motioned for two white women (for reference, we’re Asians) to pop over for the table we just left. To note, these women also did NOT have any food with them when they sat down. After we ordered, we found a table outside and settled ourselves. The same waitress then chased us down and continued to ask if we have ordered, despite her seeing us carrying the order number. While we were talking to her, another group of white people seated themselves right next to us and asked for menus. She did not call them out the same way she did with us. She handed them the menus and walked back in. If she wasn’t being racist, then I don’t know what is.

The food eventually came and we all enjoyed the scampi, cod, mackerel, and chips. Those were probably the best fish and chips that I’ve had in a long time but make no mistake, that vile and racist waitress definitely made the experience leave a bad taste...

I regularly visit here and I must say. The shop has a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The fish and chips were freshly made to order, and the batter was crispy and flavorful. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the chips were golden and crispy on the outside, while soft and fluffy on the inside. There were some times especially more recently where the fish was just too greasy and there would be more batter than actual fish. The portion sizes are generous and satisfying. I would reccomend the smoked fish.

One thing that really stood out to me was the variety of menu options. In addition to the classic fish and chips, they also had a variety of seafood, chicken and sides to choose from. I particularly enjoyed the calamari rings, which were tender and flavorful.

The prices were also reasonable, considering the quality of the fish and portion sizes as well as being a very tourist place in Galway.

The only reason I am not giving this fish and chips shop a five-star review is that I felt the seating area was a bit cramped although expected, which made it difficult to move around and eat comfortably. However, this did not detract from the overall experience. Some of the hiccups I have had as well when it came to my fish being too greasy really threw me off

Overall, I highly recommend this fish and chips shop to anyone looking for delicious, fresh seafood at a reasonable price in Galway. I will still be returning...

Awful fish and chips. Probably the second or third worst fin'n'chips I have ever had... We went for cod, their best seller, to avoid disappointment. But the cod was mushy, soggy, and leaked water... Clear signs of freshly defrosted fish, for whover knows fish... The chips were Ok, but nothing to write home about. They sell drinks (priced as "Regular" or " Large" on their menu, no indication how many ml) so we went for regular carbonated drinks. And what we got were TINY glasses of almost flat, mildly coolish, coke and fanta from a dispenser machine... Smallest sample size glasses, definitely less than 200ml... Stingy and unnecessary.

Half way through the fish we all felt a bit squimish and we left the last part on the table and left. On the way out we asked if there was a floor manager. The distracted teenager said "Whaaaaat??? Oooohhh.... Aaaaaahhh... Not realy. We have some senior staff, but they are probably upstairs." When I asked if they were interested in any customer feedback he answered "Oooooohhhh.... We wouldn't be oposed to it....". The "yeah whatever, next" business attitude.

Summary: Defrosted wattery fish. Miniscule glasses of flat warm coke. Dirty table, that we cleaned ourselves.

Not going back any time soon.

Will be spending my money somewhere less arogant and more...