Fado Irish Pub — Restaurant in Columbus

UPDATE: I went back shortly after my original visit and had a MUCH better time. However, there were still some issues.

The food was much better and a better portion and the smell of cigars wasn't as prevalent. However, the restaurant was still a bit dirty and dimly lit and the bartenders didn't pay the section of the bar closest to the door much attention. So it was still hard to get their attention and ask for a refill or for the check when it was time to go. They tended to stick to one section furthest from the door. I also want to thank the owners for making this right and inviting me back. If these issues are addressed I'm confident that things will be much better in the future.

ORIGINAL REVIEW Reading some of the other reviews I'm wondering if we had a bad night or came when things were "off". One thing I wanted to note was the cigar place next door had an overwhelming stench that carried into the restaurant and although the doors were open to the patio the air was stale and warm the further in you went.

We arrived last night just during dinner and it was pretty slow on a Monday. Our server wasn't really attentive and I had issues with the quality of the food. The fried pickles had too much batter on them and they were a little big, which can affect how well cooked they are. The reuben was also a disappointment for my wife and mother-in-law. The dining room also was dimly lit and a little dirty. I am not sure if we'll be back or not.

EDIT: After re-reading my review, I realized I came across too harsh and snooty. Please see the revised...

Edit 10/11/24 - adding photos and had a much better experience with service. Original review below.

Small irish pub themed place that plays sports typically on the bar tvs, has outdoor and heated patio seating, and great comfort food. Been coming here for years. My favorite regular meal is a crabbies with fish and chips. However I do think the service and quality has slightly declined through the years, but not so much that it prevents me from returning. My last visit:

Cheese dip with boxty. I LOVE their boxty, personally. It's a potatoey, soft and crunchy bread with a cheese dip that has like a pico in it. No complaints! It's heavy, not a light starter.

Salmon entree. I decided to try something new. A+. The fish was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Columbus places often struggle with salmon (either sad, rubbery and white or downright undercooked). Good work. The bed of greens was great. I'm coming back for this.

My co-diners spicy bloody mary didnt seem to have hot sauce in it only a small bit of pepper. Bland.

I got a mule which was okay, then a crabbies. Didn't give me a lime with me drink.

If the service becomes a little more tentative (it used to be top tier, loved the service there) and breathe a little life into the interior with a little "spit"shine, 5 stars. Love this location for its noatalgia, memories, and great...

very disappointing. the atmosphere and decor is very pleasant and has a nice vibe. Our service this evening was minimal at best. Food was overpriced for the quality. Ordered the special Oktoberfest schnitzel it was very heavy on the salt, but otherwise ok. Also had the seafood risotto, this dish came to the table barely warm. the rice it self was stuck together and basic mush which told us that it had been made ahead of time and just sitting in the pot, most likely reheated in the microwave before serving. Needless to say very disappointing dish. Our server that night, Josie, although pleasant and welcoming was nowhere to be seen once our meals arrived. It was not a busy night, more then half the tables were unoccupied. She finally came by our table to ask about the food we were basically finished. When we mentioned the cold seafood risotto and the quality of the rice only a sorry was offered up. No one bothered to come to the table to make amends. Our bill being$160 i would expect more attention to detail and quality. Overall very disappointing. Cannot...