Fat Cat: User Reviews

No Kids allowed
By cjuptown from Uptown, June 10, 2009

Overall rating:

I really like this place and was excited to have a new place in my neighborhood but I had a bad experience a few months ago. I was with my son who is about one and two friends. It was early on a Tuesday and we wanted a quick bite to eat. There were only 3 people at the bar and two tables occupied(its a big place). When I asked if they had a high chair for my son the waitress gave us a really dirty look and said they don't have one and when I said "really??" she said its because they don't want kids. When I asked why she said they were loud, will annoy the other customers and kids shouldn't be in a bar. We sat down and pulled his stroller up to the table. She again made it very clear we were not welcome and again told us why. I told her it was early,(6pm) we were hungry, the place was empty and it is illegal not to serve us for that reason. We had a nice meal and our bill came to over $80, we tipped 20% and left. However we have not been back will go to Charlies Ale House in Andersonville, Cullen's on Southport or Wilde Bar on Broadway. Just about every bar that serves food in Chicago accomodates kids. We eat out with friends a few times a week, especially Sat and Sun brunch and it is sad this so called neighborhood bar lost all of our business. I am amazed they wouldn't want someone spending $80 in their restaurant, not to mention a waitress making $16 from one table on a slow night.

Horrible Service
By hydrogen from Rogers Park, May 2, 2009

Overall rating:

I used go to Fat Cat often but recently have decided it's not worth the aggravation of simply not being waited on. The wait staff has literally averted eye contact with me as I have been waiting for service on numerous occasions. I just don't get it.

Not what it used to be...
By tikigirl from Uptown, April 4, 2009

Overall rating:

When the manager cared, this was a great place. Staff seems to be more interested now in having a good time than doing their job. That said, poor service. It's too bad because this used to be a real gem.

Best brunch in the area!!!!
By blackhawkfan#1 from Andersonville, April 1, 2009

Overall rating:

Been there 3 of the last 4 Saturdays for brunch. Absolutely fantastic. Best in the area as far as Ive found. Great selection of beers as well. Super nice bartender that goes out of his way to make you feel special and not like just some reular person. All 3 of our experiences have been at the bar and everyone has been A+. Cant wait for the beer school inext week and the patio to open up. This place has great potential. 100% recommend that you check this place out.

Wow!!!!! Cant believe we had never been to this bar before.
By Marion_Yipper from Edgewater, January 19, 2009

Overall rating:

I only live a few miles north and have driven by countless times but its usually in a cab heading somewhere else to meet friends. Well, a girlfriend and I stopped in on Saturday afternoon. The place was a little empty but it was Saturday afternoon I guess. We sat at the bar because thats where the only people were. The bar is absolutely gorgeous as was the bartender. Its really nice to feel welcome right when you walk into a place for the first time. I even got talked into buying a Fat Cat t shirt. Glad to know there is a nice lounge style place basically in my neighborhood. Thanks for all your help, Jeremy, I wish I was ten years younger!! We will definitely be seeing you soon!!!!!!!

Just okay
By michelle from river north, December 14, 2008

Overall rating:

The cocktails look great, but the food was fair and the service was poor.

Great Bar!!!!
By Denise-n-Uptown from Uptown, December 3, 2008

Overall rating:

We never go out in Uptown but after a few recent visits to Fat Cat, we have started frequenting the area a little more. The food is a little hit or miss but the burgers are always great so, at least, I know what to order. Service staff is nice but too seem a little hit or miss. We took the advice of other reviewers and sat at the bar. We will continue to do so. Both of the bartenders we have met are very knowledgeable of the product and always go out of their way to do anything they can for us, be it changing channels, sampling new beers, or just shooting the news. Although I wouldnt spend my entire Saturday night there, the place is very nice and as the neighborhood blossoms, this bar will continue to better itself.

Just moved to Chicago, found a great home pub!!!!!
By John from New York from Uptown, November 8, 2008

Overall rating:

Moved to the city from The City last weeek. Stumbled upon Fat Cat on my way to the post office. Very beautiful bar, lots of TVs, NFL package, tons of beer choices, who could ask for anything else. Went in last Wednesday, it was kind of dead but with the election the night before Im sure the area was pretty partied out. Sat at the bar for an hour or so. Very nice guy (even though he was a Cubs fan), bought me a shot welcoming me to the neighborhood and gladly helped me in trying some new tasty beers. The Hazelnut Brown Ale was absolutely delicious. This is definitely my favorite bar Ive been to in the area and will continue to go back. Just wish the satellite feed was high definition.

As a 10 year recovering alcoholic, I don't go to many bars.
By Rick_J from Uptown, October 8, 2008

Overall rating:

But being that Fat Cat is so close to my condo and have relatively quick, good food along with a good atmosphere, i stop in somewhat regularly for just a tonic, a soda, or a bite to eat. I always sit and the bar and it so atypical of the way that i am treated. Usually when I go to a bar, sit down and order a burger and a soda, i expect the bartender to treat me a little different but this is not the case. Jeremy and Katie go out of their way to make me feel like I am just like the rest of the big drinkers, the big spenders, and the big tippers. I just want to go out and thank them and the bar for being there for me. Being in the industry, I know how most of these review websites are just spots to go and complain so Im bringing something positive. Fat Cat is a great place to go, no matter who you are.

Back & forth....
By KJ from Uptown, October 1, 2008

Overall rating:

I've tried Fat Cat so many times and each time I leave with a different impression. I guess my overall opinion now is that it's one of the most inconsistent places I've ever been, and as a result of my most recent experience, I doubt I'll go back. It's a shame the service is the slowest and sometimes most disinterested I've come across, because the food is usually not too bad. Although this last time my friend's fried chicken was burnt, my fries and sandwich were cold, and they were out of spoons so my other friend had to eat her chili with a fork. Out waitress kept disappearing, we had to ask other staff to find her...they weren't even that busy...maybe a quarter of the tables had people at them. Bummer.