Fibbar MaGees — Restaurant in Sunnyvale

I recently moved to Sunnyvale and decided to check out this local pub. Overall, the food was excellent—I had the shepherd’s pie, which was hearty, flavorful, and generously portioned. The menu also includes daily specials that seem like a great value; I’m particularly interested in returning for the Thursday steak special.

However, my overall experience was affected by what seemed to be an overly hands-on approach from the manager, whom I believe is named Evelyn (based on what my server told me). During my meal, she stopped by my table about six times, and I noticed she also checked in on my server multiple times. While I understand that management often takes a hands-on approach to ensure good service, it became distracting and made it difficult to fully relax and enjoy the meal.

It was also unclear who my main server was, as the manager didn’t introduce herself as such, which added to the confusion. Interestingly, I overheard another table discussing similar experiences, so it seems this may be a recurring issue. A more relaxed and clearly defined approach to service would go a long way in enhancing the overall guest experience, especially in a pub setting where people generally want to unwind.

One area where the business could really improve its image is its Facebook page. While it’s great that they’re trying to stay active on social media, the quality of the posts—particularly the photo edits and graphics—comes across as unpolished and even a bit amateurish. This might seem minor, but first impressions matter, and for many potential customers, a business’s online presence is the first point of contact.

With a few adjustments in management style, this place could easily become a local favorite. I’ll likely return for the food, but I do hope for a more laid-back dining atmosphere next time. Honestly, I’d be more inclined to come back regularly if the manager went through customer service or hospitality training to better understand how to support both staff and guests without...

Forget this place. I went there with a guest from India who was coming back to the Bay Area after many years and wanted to enjoy the Murphy Street experience all over again. Bad choice picking Fibbar Magees. It was Thursday evening around six and the place was almost full with two empty tables outside. I went in to check and was told by the waitress to grab any open seat. An elderly lady next to her, probably the manager, told me that they were reserved by people who have paid for it and the wait for another table to vacate may be long. As I walked out, I saw a family leaving and went back in to check again with the ‘manager’. She was out right rude and told me they were busy and it may take long to get the tables cleaned, clearly she did not want us as patrons. I opened the door for her to take her drinks outside and instead of saying any polite thanks, she saw my friend sitting on a chair by the recently vacated table and asked him not to sit on her dirty table. My friend has a bad back and was giving it a rest. We had had enough. We walked away to the Lily Mac’s bar nearby, a friendly and warm place staffed by people with very good attitude and manners. Fibbar Magees management should convey it to their employees that they should learn to park their emotions outside the door when they come to work. The same message could have been communicated in a polite manner, everyone here understands the shortage of labor, and we would have walked away without any negative feelings. Customer is number one, especially when you are in the service business. I may only be the tip of the iceberg that takes time to...

This is a very excellent Irish Pub. I went with a group on a slow night, so it was pretty chill, but I know exactly how the place would be when it is busy. That's because good bartending and good wait service are universal. I've never been a waiter/bartender, but I worked in a restaurant for years, and spent some time in some great dive bars in San Jose. Game recognizes game.

The drinks are generously portioned, the roll ups are plentiful, the wait staff are on point, the management has the whole system flowing smoothly, and the ambiance, tables, and decor are perfect. (Which is, to say, smooth, decently comfortable, and serviceable, with a well worn/well lived in feeling.)

The food is also excellent, they even have mozzarella cheese sticks that are better then my chain restaurant standard (a feat accomplished surprisingly rarely. In fact, this is the first in a very long time). Their burgers and sliders and other pub standards are great, and they surprised me by having legitimately good indian curry (at an irish pub! How nuts is that?).

Overall, just a great experience. It's not a fancy fine dining place, or an experimental cocktail wizardry den (though I feel certain they could make any of those if you told them what's in it). What it is is exactly what it says on the tin, and exactly what it should be. A solid, workhorse of a bar, where people can gather to drink, eat, and socialize. Oh, and to top it all off, they have a special menu of 101 Whiskeys.

Great work, and my compliments to all the staff. Just keep doing what you're doing and this place will continue...