The search for Boxty, Fado Irish Pub, Austin, Texas

Back in 2006 we were on vacation in San Diego. One evening looking for a place for dinner, we noticed The Field Irish Pub and decided to give it a try. After a few adult beverages, we tried Boxty for the first time and loved it. For those that are unfamiliar, Boxty is an Irish dish. The best way to describe Boxty is to think of a thin potato crepe which is rolled and stuffed with with one of your favorite meats and covered in a creamy sauce. Ever since that first time my wife and I have been on a Boxty frenzy. Whenever we visit a new place, we're always on the the lookout for Irish Pubs that might have Boxty. Alas, this is not as easy as it might seem. We have looked throughout New Hampshire and New England and up to this point could not find any good Boxty, We even tried Boxty at Gallagher's Boxty House in Dublin, Ireland and sadly it was not that great.


We recently found ourselves planning a trip to Austin, Texas and after a search found a pot of boxty gold, the Fado Irish Pub. Because we were excited to try Boxty Texas style, we decided to venture here on our first night in town.



We walked into Fado's to find a relaxed atmosphere of dark wood, dim lighting and candles. There are tables sprinkled about between many walls that gives the pub a calming feel. It was like going back to the 1950's in a time machine. They do have outdoor seating but we decided on indoors as it was a warm day and cooler inside.

Our waitress brought over the menu that was old paper sandwiched between two pieces of wood. We looked it over and decided to try The Smithwick's mini burgers, they were a delicious combination of Smithwick's flavored hamburger, Guiness mayo, pickles, onions and melted cheese.

For dinner we didn't see anything else but the Boxty although you will find traditional Irish favorites like corned beef and cabbage and Shepherd's pie. They have three main Boxty dishes, chicken and shrimp, corned beef and cabbage and trinity steak and we decided on the later as you can see below.

Let's just say that we were not disappointed. The outer potato layer was like a thin crepe and filled with a generous portion of tender beef with onions. We had the creamy whiskey garlic sauce on the side and it was perfect for dipping. The vegetables were Brussels sprouts with bacon and a nice complement.

All I can say is if you love food like we do you should really try Boxty. And there is good news for those that live in other parts of The United States as they have 13 locations listed on their website including one in New England and not too far from New Hampshire in Stamford, Connecticut. Make sure you check to see what they have for Boxty dishes at whichever location is close to you before driving or dare I say flying a long distance.