Republic Bar and Grill 9470 S. Eastern Ave Las Vegas, NV

The odd step and repeat

 Ed and I ventured into Republic on a Thursday night.  For those that know  

Restarant exterior

the area, yes it is the old Fado.  Knowing that, I was expecting the former Irish pub laden with dark woods and burdened by a very odd mis-use of space, with a fresh coat of paint and a new sign on the door.  Surprisingly, the interior has been changed quite a bit.  The interior is now contemporary, tables made of wood with a black finish, and cream colored walls.  Tasteful chandeliers have been hung, and the strange placement of walls which led to the odd mis-use of space, have been removed.  There is a nice back splash of a city skyline, and plenty of flat panels playing sports center.   I had been told that the restaurant is known for small plates, which is misleading.  They have an semi extensive appetizer menu, 

22 oz beers ahoy lambic on the right

but they are not small plates, and for the price, they are not intended to order 4-5 to share.  Best part of the night?  They have lambic framboise on tap and available in a 22 oz pint ($15).  Ed tried to order a Stone IPA, his favorite, but the tap was spent.  He then tried for the Dog Fish, also gone.  This was a bad sign.  On the recommendation of the server, I got the short ribs for $22 (one of the priciest 

Short ribs, wasabi mash and asparagus

items on the list) with wasabi mash, and Ed got the pulled chicken puffy tacos (a flour, not corn tortilla that when fried puffs up) for $10.99.  Biting into my short rib (ok I am a little of a short rib snob), it tasted more like mom's Tuesday night pot roast than a super tasty fall off the bone rib, and mom never charged $22 bucks for it.  Out of the entire mash of potatoes, only one bite actually had a wasabi tinge to at all.  I thought Ed's puffy tacos were good (except that Ed takes off all of the good stuff like pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole.  We didn't stay for dessert or another drink as both of us were pretty underwhelmed.  I say skip it, unless they bring back Fado's Tuesday night quiz night.  Even then, grab a lambic, and call it a night!
Rating:

Ambiance: 7
Food quality: 5
Price: 5
Price for quality of food: 3
Overall: 5