BAR REVIEW: Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant in the River North area of Chicago, IL

Let us face the facts: In the United States, when you talk about Football in the United States, you think of the NFL. What is considered Football across the world is known as Soccer in the United States. Bars across Chicago, Illinois, showcase baseball, NFL football and basketball through out the year. Few bars across Chicagoland showcase Soccer matches through out the year. One such bar that has created a niche for itself as the “place to watch soccer” is Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Clark Street in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Fado’s is a pub where football/soccer fans can gather and enjoy the latest football match. There is no better place to catch international soccer matches than Fado’s. Recently, the 2008 Euro Cup was the center attraction at Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant. International citizens gathered around the warm atmosphere of Fado’s to cheer on their country. Great pints of Guinness are poured and traditional Irish bar food is served. The crowds at Fado’s are really into their soccer and they show the passion one would expect if you were at the stadium. Cheering and jeering are commonplace amongst the 3 floors of Fado’s. In the recent 2008 Euro Cup Final, there were more German fans than Spanish fans. At the end of the game though, everyone was thankful for a great match between two great European Nations. You gain friends while at Fado’s. During the 2006 World Cup Final, I befriended a passionate French woman and during the 2008 Euro Cup Final, I befriended some friendly German fans.

Fado’s has 3 floors where you can enjoy drinking and socializing. The rowdiest floor, in my opinion, is the top floor. Live bands perform on this floor and passionate fans gather on the 3rd floor to watch their favorite team. Of course, each floor has its appeal and by no means are you at a disadvantage being “stuck” on any floor. With great citizens found through out Fado’s, you will enjoy your time no matter where you settle.

A word to the wise, for high profile soccer matches, it is highly recommended that you arrive to Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant way in advance to get good seating and to avoid the lines that surely build as the place becomes too crowded. During the 2006 World Cup Final, the line was around the block early. Of course, whether you have a seat or forced to stand, there is no place better to watch an international soccer match than Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant is located at 100 West Grand Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (312) 836-0066. Website: http://www.fadoirishpub.com/chicago/

Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo