The Auld Shebeen — Restaurant in Fairfax

This will be long. Our visit today was cut short by an overly aggressive shift supervisor. We visit The Auld Shebeen whenever we are in the area and anytime our out of state family is visiting, it's normally a warm and friendly place to relax and enjoy some excellent food. Today my daughter wanted to eat at this restaurant for her birthday. She brought her Chihuahua in an enclosed carrying basket. This would be the 4th time we've brought the Chihuahua, the 2st time we called ahead and were informed there is no problem bringing such a small dog in a basket. No other time had it been a problem. We arrived at the restaurant, there were 3 other people there. We were greeted and seated. The wait person came over, introduced himself as Collin and took our drink and appetizer order. Collin was very nice, he even greeted the dog!! When Collin and another young man returned with our drinks and appetizer we placed our food order. We got 3 meals and a chicken breast and bacon for the dog. The food arrived, Collin even had a small bowl of water for the dog! At this point there are no people within sight in the restaurant. The bartender walked swiftly past us which startled the 10lb. Chihuahua and he barked. Immediately the supervisor came and told us "it's time to pack it in". Now mind you, the dog had never been out of his enclosed basket the whole time we were in the restaurant. The supervisor rudely gave us Togo containers and brought the bill. $130+, and we would have had after dinner drinks and dessert in this restaurant that now had patrons at 2 other tables, none within 15 feet of us. I paid the bill, gave Collin a decent tip on my card and the supervisor "forgot" to give me back my card and I had to get his attention and ask for it. The few bites of food was excellent as usual, Collin was a wonderful wait person, the shift supervisor was discustingly rude and lacking in customer service skills. If you didn't want our business, why wait until we'd taken a couple of bites of food, that was not nearly as good after our 3 hour...

TL;DR: It offers good food, good service, and great atmosphere.

The Context: I visited the Auld Shebeen on a double date with my wife and her sister and our brother-in-law. They live nearby and suggested it for a fun couples experience.

The Food: We had the Baked Brie, Potato Leek Soup, and Fish and Chips.

The Baked Brie was of good quality, and the baguette was decent. I enjoyed it all together, but feel that it needed more of the compote to make the bite better balanced. The tartness enhanced the cheese and allowed you to better experience the depth of its flavor, but we ran out of compote before we ran out of cheese.

The Potato Leek Soup was delicious, creamy, and not gritty/starchy at all. The flavor profile was enjoyable and it was a solid choice.

The Fish and Chips was excellent as well. It was obvious from the aftertaste of the fries that they were cut in the back and not frozen. I really enjoyed them. The breading on the fish was crispy and light while adding delicious flavor to the cod fillets. When combined with the included slaw it all made for a dish that was cohesive, balanced, and delicious. I was worried it sit very heavy in my stomach because it's all fried, but the slaw helped that tremendously.

The Atmosphere and Service: The restaurant itself is very charming. It is a little dark inside with the color scheme, but it's not inappropriate or uninviting. I loved the way the ceiling tiles looked like quilted, embossed leather. Our server was excellent and did a stellar job or helping me decide between the stew and the fish and chips.

Overall, I enjoyed spending an enjoyable meal at this restaurant with my family. I would like to go back and try their Reuben sandwich, but alas, I live on the other side of the country....

"From the moment I stepped into The Auld Shebeen, I was enveloped by an atmosphere that exuded warmth and genuine Irish hospitality. This pub is not just a place; it’s a vibrant community where the clinking of glasses harmonizes with laughter and spirited conversation.

The charm of The Auld Shebeen is amplified by its dedicated staff, who effortlessly create a welcoming ambiance. Their attentiveness and commitment to ensuring every guest feels valued turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary experience. The staff’s enthusiasm is contagious, igniting the pub with an energy that invites everyone to join the celebration of Irish culture.

The authentic Irish decor and the soothing melodies of traditional music transport you to the heart of Ireland, creating an immersive experience that is both enchanting and unique. The diverse menu offers a gastronomic journey through Irish cuisine, with each dish crafted to perfection, showcasing the rich flavors and culinary heritage of the Emerald Isle.

I had the pleasure of discussing my experiential marketing services with the team, and the excitement and passion they showed for enhancing the guest experience were truly inspiring. It’s evident that The Auld Shebeen is not just a pub, but a canvas where every member contributes to creating a masterpiece of Irish hospitality.

The Auld Shebeen is more than just a pub; it’s a sanctuary where friendships are forged, stories are shared, and the spirit of Ireland is celebrated. I am thrilled to contribute to this vibrant community and look forward to many more nights of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories at The Auld...