Our Story

AN IRISH PUB FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Fadó (pronounced f’doe) is Gaelic for “long ago” and is commonly used to start a story, similar to “once upon a time.”  We chose it because we’re telling the story of Ireland’s rich and ever-evolving pub culture.

In 1996, a small group of Irish entrepreneurs came to the U.S. and started Fadó with the goal of bringing the best of Dublin pubs to the U.S. That goal stands firm today as we passionately bring Irish Pubs into the 21st Century. 

What does that mean? 

It means we feature dozens of international and local beers. It means that while we are a sought after outlet for televised sports, mostly soccer, you are just as likely to see delicious craft cocktails on the bar as pints of Guinness.  And whisk(e)y?  Yeah, there is a lot of great whiskey.

It also means that we employ a very proud group of lads that run a scratch kitchen, providing diners with fantastic plates. Gone are the days of basic pub food. Instead, you’ll get your Irish standards coupled with a few dishes that are sure to surprise and delight, blending passion, quality, and originality in one menu. 

Quality or nothing.

A pub doesn’t maintain a high standard for more than 20 years without relentless attention to detail. Our cod, used in our famous fish and chips, is sustainably caught in the deep, icy waters of the North Atlantic near Iceland. Our meats are custom cut by third-generation butchers in Vermont. Pull up a seat and see (and taste) first-hand what 21st Century Irish quality is.

Unmatched hospitality. 

The most important part of the pub is the hospitality. We strive to make sure you have a great time here and that you return with more stories to tell. Regular customers are the lifeblood of our business and we’re lucky to have many. Our crew makes sure they’re well looked after and they’ll do the same for you.

We talk about baking a lot of care, curiosity, and craic into each lunch, happy hour, dinner, and brunch. We hope you feel that when you’re in our pub. 

Welcome to Fadó.


Design

Design and decor is something we take very seriously- great design is essential to making people feel at home.

Fadó Annapolis was designed and manufactured completely in Ireland and then brought to Annapolis for installation. In terms of design, it is a mix of the Classical, Regency and Victorian StyleS.

Each of these eras was strongly influenced by Roman and Greek architecture and you see that reflected in the pub’s design and furniture. There are also strong influences from the classic Victorian pub, with its detail and splendor.

When you enter the pub, the clean lines have a fresh, open approach, made of glass as a note of acceptance to modernism allowing full view to the inner traditional pub. Through the entrance we are greeted by a metal cut-out feature of the Fadó logo inset into the timber flooring, harping back to Irish traditional craftsmanship.

The Back Bar

On entering the Irish bar, the main focal point is the back bar – a classic Dublin Victorian style – simple and imposing. With a tall arched centerpiece and corniced capital with flanking columns; they are offset by the large bevelled mirror. Stepped shelving with concealed illumination gives an atmospheric glow.

The front of the bar is a contemporary expression of what would have been marquetry in the classical period. This is achieved through a blend of materials happily married together and resulting in a sensory treat.

The bar counter top is a traditional smooth stone set upon a rich timber frame and highlighted by the modern backlit bar front with Celtic graphic. More traditional materials return under foot with the brass foot rail and tumbled mosaic. The length of the front bar is in sympathy with the main classical feature, conveying a feeling of art & antiquity. At one end, we have a 2 persons snug offering a secret hideout that stands out in contrast to the openness of the curved bar.

The Gathering Area and Fireplace

A large classical table and chairs compliment the traditional aspect of the fireplace with a louver canopy screen to the side mimicking traditional window screens. This screen overhangs the leather seated bay and displays images and characters of Ireland past.

The large fireplace dressed with a traditional Victorian over mantle is a sign of elegance and grace. Rising to the ceiling is a decorative frieze used to flank the over mantle with feature lighting adding to the elegance. The open hearth embraces the room and draws people within.

The Dublin Room

This traditional snug room harps back to the authentic traditional feel of the renowned Victorian shop. Here the collection of old pharmaceutical bottles, beer and whiskey bottles displayed on open shelving above leather seats give a sense of the old Dublin not forgotten.

We’re located on West Street just next to the Westin Hotel. Fadó is easy to find and a hard place to leave!