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- Nearest Transit:
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Lawrence (Red Line)
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- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
326 reviews for Fat Cat
Review Highlights
"Love the beer selection and super friendly service."
(in 42 reviews)
"I love the outdoor seating during the summer."
(in 19 reviews)
"So Fat Cat has a special "Spicy Vinegar."
(in 11 reviews)
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325 reviews in English
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Review from Jane W.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2011
Good alternative to Green Mill... considering most of the time there's no cover and open tables. + was that we got free cute 'Duvel' glasses if we bought two beers. Done twice. But the genuine advantage is the server. Teresa is the best! I kind of want to hire her to do my books, organize my closet and figure out my five-year plan. She's SOOOO on top of it, you don't even know she's riding shotgun.
p.s. With Teresa's recommendation we had a shot of pickle juice after a shot of whiskey and it was strangely amazing -
Review from Claudia S.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2012
I used to really like Fat Cat, I did. Their mini corn dogs made my belly happy and brought a smile to my face (because who doesn't like mini things?!), but the attitude from the bartenders the last few times I've been there is a huge turnoff. The last time I went was for the Battle of the Breweries and I got there early, but they were already acting as though they had enough. In fact, it wasn't until a server came over followed by a manager (or, someone in charge) and through talking to them did I finally warm up and have a great time.
This was the case a few times prior, and frankly, you don't have to be chatty with me, but don't act like my asking a question about a beer is a hassle. The food is filling and hits the spot. The main reason I return is because the bar itself is one where I can make myself comfortable. Plus, for every rude bartender there seems to be a server who more than makes up for it. -
Review from Shakura H.
Chicago, IL
2/3/2012
I have been to Fat Cat a few times, once by myself and other times with friends. I like the fact that it is not a dive bar. The bar is spacious and modern with good decor without going over the top. The three stars reflects the lack of character the bar has, it seems to be just a bar which is too bad. The bartenders are not friendly bartenders that chat a little with their patrons & the music is the WORST!
The first time I was there I had one cocktail and left because the music was so bad, I just could not take it anymore. I asked the bartender why they were playing that music and I was told that the manager was playing his favorite songs from an ipod. The other times I have been there the music was just; bad 80's music, country music, and music that I can't define. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to walk into a bar and hear B96 super pop music, a nice mixture 90's and 2000's pop, R&B, Hip Hop, rock, etc. would be great.
I have never had food there, but the cocktails are good. I love the pineapple martini. Fat Cat really needs some bartenders with personality who want to interact with their customers and not so much with each other. The times I have been there the staff is hanging out with each other talking and goofing off, and ignoring the customers except when taking an order. -
Review from Mike S.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2011
The diner is like the vintage look and feel of 1960 with the modren, skinny-pants service (without a smile) of the 2010s! Service actually wasn't bad, and the food came out pretty quick. They have their own homemade spicy vinegar which is actually pretty good for their handcut fries. Great burger and quite the good turkey reuben.
The bar is really spacious and easy to move around, even when it starts to get busy. They have free Bar Trivia on Wednesday nights that starts at 8:30 and doesn't drag on too bad like other bar trivia. Great location next to The Annoyance Theater. Great beer selection too - although it was their "12 Beers of Christmas" list, but the regular season list looked good too! -
Review from Julio S.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2012
After seeing this Place on a One of the Chicago shows we Stopped in to check it out.. man did this place not live up to the TV hype at ALL!. First off, The food they raved about on tv (the rubin Balls) were BLAH. nothing great.. then we had a chicken app.. it was some of the most plain blan chicaken.. would have tasted better if it was made in the microwave. we thought about getting a dinner but with the forst 2 apps being Blah we decided to eat else where. The beer selection was pretty good though.. OH! and the DJ.. OMG the dj was HORRIBLE! i swear i kept hearing a mix of crap and 80's commercials. serioulsy.. as in music from 80 or 90's commercials. Also, our waiter was great though. did i mention the dj was Horrible? sorry fat cat.. No me gusta.. You would Think with ALL the Bad service reviews they would do something about it... They Also dont have a contact email on there web page
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Review from Noah C.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
We came here before a show at the Annoyance Theater for a quick dinner and a drink. They have a great beer list full of micro brews and local beers. The food menu was not that large but the options were very good. I had the house burger. Brie, arugula, bacon, and pickled onions on a perfectly cooked patty of moist beef. The fries are hand cut and home made. Very crispy and delicious. My wife had a Cajun burger and chili fries. The chili fries were great. It was a massive pile of the fries topped with a moderately spicy chili. The waitstaff was attentive but not overly so. They probably could have sold me on a few more beers if I had been asked. Overall the Fat Cat was a great place for a quick, good meal and a few drinks before the show at the Annoyance. I would definitely go here again if I was in the area.
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Review from Adam B.
12/11/2011
We picked the Fat Cat at random for dinner before The National show. It was a good choice. We liked the draft beer selection (and made several choices) :)
The food was limited. They had a "Concert Menu" but my friend enjoyed her grilled cheese and my salad was good as well.
By the time we left for the show, this place was PACKED. so, it must be one of the places to hang out before a show. -
Review from Joel M.
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
We had some appetizers and drinks here prior to a show down the street at the Riviera and were NOT disappointed. I was a little cautious given some of the reviews regarding the service, but our service was outstanding.
They have a 'concert' menu that is a lot smaller than their regular menu, but the upside is that the food is ready immediately. They must just be cooking through these items all night, because both our wings and mac 'n' cheese were out within five minutes of ordering. This is actually pretty ideal for a pre-concert bite, because you really don't want to wait around for your food while your show is starting.
I really liked the atmosphere and layout of the place, its sports bar-ish but split up enough to feel cozy. Their beer selection was good, but the draft list had no IPAs which was disappointing (although it had a ton of Belgium beers to the wife's delight). They did make this up by having some gigantic and rare IPAs on their bottle list.
I would definitely go here again if I was in the area or before a show at the Aragon or Riv. -
Review from Angie M.
10/4/2011
Despite residing in the worst location ever (I hate Uptown) on a shady street (not in a good way) with no other good bars within a reasonable distance, Fat Cat is pretty much cursed with being a total destination bar. And in order to be a destination bar, you have to be serving up amazing pub grub, deliver amazing service, come through with insanely cheap drink prices or just be really cool.
Too bad for you, Fat Cat, that you aren't really delivering.
While I appreciate the lifesized Jenga game, good outdoor seating and clean inside, I'm just not sold on Fat Cat.
Drink and food prices are a teensy bit on the expensive side, again, not making it a destination bar. Foursquare does offer 1/2 off appetizers when you unlock the special (may be first time only, so please double check) and the waitress gave me serious attitude about cashing in on it.
Rude waitress + not cheap beer is not greater than Jenga + outdoor seatingListed in: Cocktails
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Review from Lo E.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2011
My friend and I were so impressed with the signature drink there, I got a list of all the ingredients from the bartender and had to re-create it at home! When I made it for her, it was almost just as good! The name is a "Hi-Hat", which combines vodka, fresh basil, whole seedless red grapes amongst other things. Also, a pretty intense selection of crafted beers, lagers and ales. Good Show!
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Review from Tiffani W.
Chicago, IL
11/7/2011
Stopped in on a whim. Really wished I hadn't. I ordered a cocktail and some fried mac n cheese as a starter. (Which was delish!) I had full intentions of continuing on with one of their amazing looking burgers, however the server changed my mind about that. I have never experience a more rude, careless, and inattentive service in my life. She was horrible! After about 45 minutes of trying to get her attention I gave up. Even though I could only spot four other tables occupied in the entire place, my martini glass had been empty for 15 minutes, and she hadn't cleared my long empty plate at all. I finally had to ask the bartender to find my check. Thankfully I had cash when my tab eventually arrived so I didn't have to wait any longer for her to run my card.
I walk down the street and had a fabulous burger at Crew... should have just went there to begin with. -
Review from Stormy D.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2011
Pleasantly surprised by the food and cleanliness. I'd passed by a few times and it just seemed like a place I'd never consider. Invited by a new potential friend with the intentions of being just that. Clearly stated, too young (but still misunderstood though).
No complaints on service. I just don't like the area. It's like you're a lame rabbit that just got spotted by a hungry fox. They've been highly mistaken (even though I don't have a nose piercing or tatoo on my neck). -
Review from Emily H.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2011
As a frequent patron of The Annoyance, when the comedy shows let out I usually haul my friends over into the Fat Cat for cocktails and chatter.
I've noticed a weird trend though. When I bring a gaggle of female friends to Fat Cat, good times are had by all. The drinks keep coming, and food is tasty. The waitresses are friendly and stop by frequently. Everything is good!
But when it's just me and my boyfriend, we get an unbelievable cold shoulder. The waitstaff gave us weird looks, threw menus at us, snatched them back as though we are inconveniencing them by ordering, and abandoned our table to the ages after slopping down drinks in front of us. Flagging down a waitress for a second round or things like silverware was nearly impossible, yet I frequently saw them clustering behind the bar talking and actually even looking over at us, waving. After failing to get more drinks for 20 minutes, I finally had to go up to the bar and request the check personally because our waitress had migrated over to the righthand side and never bothered to come back.
I get the feeling that couples aren't wanted because we aren't a big group or flashy-dressed tramp-stampers on the cucumber hunt. I guess we take up valuable space in the cavernous and usually empty lefthand seating area that could be used by sloppy-drunk frat guys. But the frat kids weren't there when we went, so there wasn't even the excuse of overcrowding and being lost in the hubbub. It was really puzzling, because with groups of 3 - 7 the service kicks butt and takes names. But when it's just the two of us, we're lepers.
This has happened twice already, and I'm ready to move my impromptu post-comedy hen parties elsewhere because of it. -
Review from Elizabeth A.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
Man, I used to love this place. Came in here tonight to grab a post-margarita beer, and was pleased with my choice of New Belgium's Somersault. The glass that I got was one of those fake-out glasses the size of an Imperial pint (20 oz.) but with a thick glass bottom, so it only holds 16 oz. Fine, I don't expect 20oz. for nothing. But the top 1.5 inches was empty. That's now a 12 oz. beer. I asked the barkeep if she would kindly fill my glass. She shrugged, "That's the way they [the owners] want it: two fingers to the top."
I'm not a cheap person, and I'm fully willing to pay $5 for a New Belgium, but this just feels like a petty attempt to cheat me out of beer. Sad, Fat Cat. -
Review from Erica S.
Chicago, IL
9/11/2011
Went here on Friday after work with some co-workers to celebrate the end of the work week. I was looking for something refreshing, relaxing and friendly and we got it.
We started off with drinks and I ordered the Gatsby and did not stray from it for the rest of the evening. It was delicious- gin with white cranberry juice and cucumber puree, it hit the spot. The best type of drink, refreshing and light-it also didn't even taste like alcohol. I had three and I regret nothing.
For food I ordered the pork belly sandwich which was delicious and full of flavor. I also poured the spicy vinegar all over my fries which was the right choice-especially if you're into vinegar on your fries (which I am).
The music didn't start until later but once it started, we were really into it. I mean, they played "Get it Together" by the Beastie Boys, which is my favorite Beastie Boys' song.
I will come back, without my car, so I can drink Gatsbys to my hearts content (I also really enjoyed the literary reference). -
Review from Maureen M.
Chicago, IL
10/9/2011
Husband and I went late on a whim. Got a booth right away. Their Halloween decorations are great. Service was slow starting which made me wonder, but once we ordered we were well taken care of.
Started with Reuben Balls, ordering with emphasis on the second word of course. Can't pass up an easy laugh. Good price for the serving size and tasty. Husband had the cajun burger, I stayed basic. Even if you don't get the cajun, ask for the sauce that comes with it. Good for fry dipping as well as the cow. Lots of fries, even when you say to go easy. I hate wasting food. Next time I'll say no fries and we'll share.
Fat Cat has been on my list of paces to go. Now it's on my list of places to go back. Looking to try the Friday Fish Fry. -
Review from Phoebe W.
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fat Cat had been hyped up for me for several months prior to my visit, so when I decided to come here before a Flaming Lips show at the Aragon I was stoked. Unfortunately, Fat Cat has a limited menu on concert evenings so I was not able to get the burger I originally wanted. I went with my second choice of the Thanksgiving sandwich and was satisfied, the meat was a little on the dry side but that's no one's fault but the turkey's. They have a great patio for some outdoor foodin' and drinking' with a relaxed, retro vibe.
Since I was planning on dancing my butt off at the concert, I decided to forgo the beer & cocktail choices here. I'm too old to drunk dance for hours these days anyway. The beer and martini list looks pretty awesome. I'll try to make it back on a non-concert day to get a burger and/or several martinis. -
Review from Erin A.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2011
Came to Fat Cat before a show at the Aragon. I don't know why I didn't expect this place to be packed before a show, but it was. Luckily we were able to grab a seat at the bar. Atmosphere is great, seems clean, great music, really good food (Artichoke Dip and Mac & Cheese Bites), good beer list if that's your poison.
The only reason I am giving Fat Cat 3 stars is because it was impossible to get the attention of the bartenders to order food and drink. I am fully aware that it's crowded and lots of people are trying to order, but we felt ignored. We asked the bar back the best way to get the attention of a bartender and he grabbed one and we were able to order food and drink a couple minutes later. I don't know the logistics of working a bar, but everyone around us kept asking "how do I order a drink?" I think Fat Cat needs to better figure out service. -
Review from april s.
Chicago, IL
11/10/2011
I moved to Uptown in 2008, and instantly made Fat Cat one of my local haunts. I no longer live as close as I used, Andersonville now, so I don't visit quite as often. but I have some good things to say about the place, and one con, you decide if the con is a big deal to you.
Great atmosphere, the music is pretty good a majority of the time, almost every server I've had has been amazing (although I tend to make sure I get the same servers who know me), the variety of beers and drinks is good, and I like that they often have themed nights or specials after shows at local venues. So this place has been pretty good and fun for my social outtings, no complaints in that department.
The con: the food, I really don't like it. Some things are okay, the fries are good, but on average I would have to say the food is not on par with what I would expect for this place. Also, I think the menu needs a big renovation, add some new things with new flavors.
Although they did have pizza one night when I was there, and I have to say it was really decent, I just haven't seen the pizza since.
My suggestion is to definitely check it out, have some drinks, enjoy the vibe, try the food (you may like it). -
Review from Lindsey A.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2011
For the love of all things food-wise: CHANGE THE MENU already. The same burgers, same appetizers, same salads and same entrees have adorned this corner staple's menu for as long as I can remember. Switch it up a little... live on the edge, Fat Cat! Do it!
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Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2011
Boyfriend loves a good beer. Me, not so much... That is why they invented cocktails!
The service has always been good- and while I don't care for beer at all, I like the packaging- the different glasses and elaborate, specially designed mugs are fascinating!
I noticed Josh G. mentions sports viewings. I know less than nothing about sports- What I look forward to? New Season of Mad Men in 2012. Sunday night baby, Fat Cat holds Mad Men viewings.
You people dress up? I love to dress up and my phenomenal vintage collection is ready to show off!
Vintage dress up and specialty brew- that impresses even a non-beer drinking, well-dressed girl? See, everyone goes home happy. -
Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
8/9/2011
Fine
Bar food
For the price
With lots of seats,
games, tvs, and a photobooth for drunks. -
Review from Rachel H.
4/30/2011
A birthday party brought us here, and I'm glad I got the chance to check it out. I joked that the birthday boy couldn't be tooooo old because the party was starting at 10:00PM. Here comes Granny Grump again, watch out..
I kid. I'd sneaked a peek at the beer list before heading here, and indeed they had a nice selection of both bottles and drafts. I was a little sad they were out of a couple of my choices, but their selection was big enough that I was easily pacified. I can't speak to the cocktails, but other people at the table seemed happy.
We also grabbed some fried mac n cheese which seems like it would be a hideous artery clogging abomination, but was actually quite nice in this case. I doubt it was healthful, but it wasn't greasy.
It was a bit busy, so we waited a little for drinks, understandably, but our server wasn't flustered by a large group, had no problem separating our tab when it was time to go, and checked in regularly enough.
Mostly, I liked that this place was busy but not crowded. I want to be able to talk, sit without being squished, and not have my face all up in people's smelly pits at the bar, and this can happen here.
If I lived nearby I would probably frequent this joint, though I do have a friend in the area who I hope to convince that we need to check out the bloody mary cart. I'm intrigued. -
Review from Tim R.
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not feeling particularly verbose today.
1. Lovely spacious outdoor seating area.
2. Very good beer selection.
3. Pork belly sandwich was a contender for the greasiest thing I've ever eaten, but was very very good. -
Review from Johnny T.
3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have a story similar to most reviewers: was in the neighborhood, just had dinner, wasn't ready to call it a night, wanted a drink, had one, meh, went home. It seems to me that Fat Cat is missing out on a fantastic opportunity to capitalize on post-meal drinking needs but, for some reason, it doesn't quite hit. It might be a couple of things.
1.) The service. While not bad, it wasn't remarkable. I understand the bar was crowded and our server had a pretty big territory but he couldn't have been less engaged. I was in a large group of folks with service industry backgrounds. People know how to tip and tip well. Perhaps being shown the least bit of interest and we would have taken care of the rest. Instead several people went to the bar to get drinks on their own, drink suggestions were lackluster and forced (when asked what he would recommend), drinks were spilled (it happens, I get that), and the table wasn't bussed for a while. Our server was not in the mood to wait on us. I get it. I've been there. But, you have to get it together.
2.) Drinks. The cocktails were pretty inventive-sounding and it's obvious the bar has taken some time to come up with a good beer, martini and cocktail selection. In the most part, however, my table found the previews to be better than the movie. My Gunnison Garden sounded spectacular and tasted okay. It wasn't a bad drink but for the description and ingredients (orange vodka, elderflower, cucumber, lemon), I was expecting the.most.refreshing.drink.evAr! It was okay. I enjoyed my draft seasonal much more but that doesn't really showcase much other than the bar's good taste in picking it.
The bar itself is rather noisy and rambunctious. It's a sign that people enjoy themselves, and that's a good thing. For my crew, however, it was tough to have a conversation amidst all the activity. Perhaps a trip to the back room is what's needed to truly get Fat Cat. But, as a patron of the front room on a Saturday night, it was an 'okay' experience. I'm not rushing back but I wouldn't protest if my friends wanted to stop in... much. I wouldn't protest much.Listed in: Drunks for Drinky, I Get My Kicks On Bus #36, Red Line, Goin' Uptown
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Review from Heather M.
Chicago, IL
5/19/2011
The food is a wonderful greasy phenomenon - 4 stars for their non-soggy, thick, hand cut fries, buffalo chicken - and .25 jumbo wings, on Mondays.
The service is very inconsistent, and the music always too loud, to the point that it makes it hard to enjoy oneself without distraction (an avoidable problem when the outdoor patio is open). 2 stars for that.
Solid draft selection, but nothing remarkable or surprising. 3 stars.
All said, Fat Cat is definitely your best option if you simply must sit down for well-executed bar grub and a beer IN UPTOWN - by far. -
Review from David B.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm pretty easy going when it comes to dining out. It doesn't take much to please me: Just keep my drink filled. I'm a server, I get it. With that being said, I really want to like Fat Cat. They have great food & a nice atmosphere, but every time I dine there, I encounter the rudest staff.
This last Sunday for brunch, a friend & I went into Fat Cat. We had the rudest server I've ever had in my life. And that's a pretty strong statement considering how much it takes to ruin my dining experience. From the start, he was rude. Turned up his nose at our orders, barely made eye contact with us, & refilled our sodas once when we were almost finished with our meals. He wasn't even busy. There was no one in the restaurant. & when tables did come in, he was just as short with them. If you don't want to serve tables, then don't be a server. I don't understand why he had a chip on his shoulder. We said "thank you" for everything & were completely polite. We ordered another dish & when it arrived, we had to wait 10 minutes for him to reappear so we could have silverware.
But what really ruined the whole experience was when a 3rd friend showed up & sat down, the server tossed the menu at the table from his post at the bar & walked away.
I contemplated not tipping him at all (which is something I've never done before & I'm against), but then he would just think that I'm cheap. So I came here to write this review & my friends and I will never go to Fat Cat again. -
Review from Julia W.
Chicago, IL
6/13/2011
I love the general ambiance of Fat Cats. It's got a nice, quasi-retro vibe. It's spacey and so, even on a Saturday night when there are quite a few people it doesn't feel overcrowded.
The drink selection is pretty decent, as are the prices. I must say though, I had a rather disappointed martini which, given the "retro theme" of Fat Cats, was pretty surprising. The food is OK, better than you're typical bar fare. Overall, while not my first choice, it's not a bad place to spend an evening with friends. -
Review from Amy S.
Los Angeles, CA
3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great chill local bar and place to grab a drink with friends late night.
Often times the music was so blaring, it was hard to hold a conversation down, but at least the music was good. (Way too loud for any sort of intimate conversation here... leave date night to elsewhere)
Waiters are sparse late night and the kitchen closes early (11 pm), but we were able to sneak in some mexican food from the restaurant next door and no one seemed to mind.
The bartender was fast and attentive and they have GREAT Lychee Martinis... I indeed had a few!
Everyone working there was super nice - the door man... the bartenders. The atmosphere was relaxed and the crowd was mixed, which was good. Best part was the good beer selection.
Some other interesting mentions:
Sundays are Red Neck Bingo - Burgers are just 6 bucks
Tuesdays are Glee night, where you can drink and watch the show and maybe even sing along. You also can order 25 cent wings and $10 Pitchers.
Featuring different specials each night, this place will please everyone in your group. Worth a check out! -
Review from Tony R.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2011
This is a clean place with some ok atmosphere. My lower rating is for the sub par food. We ordered the chicken skewers appetizer and the southwest chicken wrap.
You get three tiny bland skewers for $8 bones that tasted rubbery. But at least they were warm. The wrap blew and had little chicken and all flour tortilla. The wrap was also cold and flavorless.
So overall disappointing and would not go back again. -
Review from Gina F.
3/13/2011
Now, I've been going to Fat Cat for a few years, as I have friends who live around the corner, and it's a nice place. Not great, but nice. It's got an attractive interior, a great beer list, & pretty good food.
Where is doesn't do as well is in the mixed drink department, with sevice, & with the atmosphere. They have a great *sounding* drink list that fails to deliver in the flavor department. They'd do better to have a smaller list that they really perfected. The service is often very slow. I've always had friendly service, never had bad or rude or indifferent as others have reported, but neither have I had a server who seemed to think it was important I get my drinks in a timely manner. Also, the atmosphere is hampered by the often insane volume. The music is loud and the people are louder. It's may partially be a result of bad acoustics, but there must be something they can do, like add fabric or sound absorbing panels or something.
I did attend a surprise party for a friend here a couple months back, and arrived early to set up and bring the cake and such. That day all the service was excellent. We were set up in the back room & they were definitely prepared for us & on top of everything. I wish every visit could have such attentive service! I think they have all the potential in the world to be a solid 4-star, even maybe a 5-star place, and I'd like to see that happen. -
Review from fabian l.
Indianapolis, IN
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This serivce was great and really enjoyed their selection of beer on tap and their bottle offerings.
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Review from Kyle H.
The 12 Beers of Christmas is here! Fat Cat has added 12 new seasonal beers to their menu, join the club for free, try all the beers before Christmas and get your picture on their wall and get a knit cap!
The thrill is in the hunt, of course, and you won't be dissapointed by their beer selection. I started with a Great Lakes Christmas offering with nutmeg, orange peel, heavy hints of spice- I could hear Nat Cole singing "the Christmas Song" with every sip!
Come join the club, all the cool kids are doing it!Listed in: Uptown! (It's where I wanna…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/22/2009
Fat Cat is a welcome addition to Uptown. A large bar that serves good food was needed in the area,… Read more »
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Review from Greg I.
Evanston, IL
1/4/2011
Can't say much about how Fat Cat jumps on a normal night, but I'd guess that at the very least it would land on its feet. I went on New Year's Eve night and the place was very lively. Not a single available seat in the house...actually I did find a stool to sit on but you know what I mean...actually actually some nice people sitting at another table noticed me and my companion standing by a table with no stools and offered up their vacant stools.
They have a pretty large selection of beer. Can't say that I have heard of most of them. I went with a beer familiar to my tounge but will explore another time.
After a couple of beers I tried the wings, which at the time were very tasty. Tangy but not too tangy.
There is a pool table to play pool on, a photo booth to take photos in.
I liked the music they were playing. I wish I had a song name deciphering device, but I didn't.
All the members of the staff were nice.
Lots of beautiful people on that New Year's Eve night. Can't wait to see what happens on a normal night. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2011
I went right before the Decemberists concert, so ordered off their limited "Concert Menu."
I do not understand the Concert Menu. Why not just have the full menu (which is not exactly an encyclopedia to begin with) free, but push a few Concert Specials that will get people in and out?
The beer I wanted (Goose Island Sophia) was out of stock, so the server suggested another Goose Island beer. It tasted like dirty socks dipped in chocolate. The point wasn't to have another Goose Island beer, the point was to have another amber not-hoppy thing.
I ordered a Coke instead, only to be brought Pepsi. 1) NOT THE SAME. 2) Just tell me you only have Pepsi and ask if it is okay. It is not okay, I will take water, thank you.
Pork Belly Sandwich = Tasty enough, but so greasy it made me feel like I needed a shower and gave my stomach the sads later.
My dining companions' burger and Southwest Chicken wrap were ok, and everyone liked the fries.
We finished eating off The Concert Menu and waited a long time for our check. If you're going to make us order The Concert Menu, why not get us out the door to The Concert We Are Trying To Go To?
The old wood bar is beautiful, the servers are nice, I'm sure some of the food is decent, maybe it's better on a non-concert night, we need stuff like this in Uptown....but....I can't think of a reason to go back. -
Review from Karen C.
12/29/2010
As I am supposed to embark on another evening out at this establishment I look back on my previous visit, the things I liked, and those that need great improvement.
Liked:
Board games - fun for shit-talking and beer drinking
Beer selection - hey, they carried several things I liked. I'm easy like that.
Cute rock-a-billy bouncer - he kept the panhandler at bay that was very peristent
Space to dance -I love to dance
Big enough bathroom - I hate when you go to a big bar and it has one stall. Seriously?! Who thought that up?
Disliked:
Customer service - Bad service has kept me from returning to places in the past so the staff here should get a clue. I got lucky in getting the ONE server that didn't have a stick up her ass. Every other woman working behind the bar had attitude. I heard complaints from several other party goers I was with about the service they received. IF I return here I will be noticing the service above all else, and if it sucks again, Fat Cat can kiss any more of my money good-bye. -
Review from Kate W.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2010
I've been here twice for parties in the back room. Both times the waitress who was in charge of our group has been superb. From what I recall, it was the same woman both times so she's pretty good. She took orders and got drinks out to you pretty quickly and managed to keep separate tabs for everyone. I was impressed.
They have an extensive drink menu which I was happy to sample. I tried a couple of different kinds of beer. One I liked, the other... not so much. Of course it would be helpful if I could remember their names. The only problem with the drink menu was that they were out of some things. That made me sad, bars should never run out of a drink I want. Alas, the other options made up for it.
As far as food, I've never ordered any but I have caught myself staring at things that other people have ordered wishing that I had brought more money. I will eventually try their food, oh yes I will.
My one last comment is about the DJ that was playing both times I was there. While not bad, there were some seriously strange music selections. That didn't stop us from dancing once we got enough drinks in us though. I felt bad for the poor guy being subjected to my attempt at dancing, I'm sure he had nightmares for several weeks. -
Review from Christoph B.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Hey, when did this place open? I don't remember it being around a few years ago... must be gentrification creeping up on Wilson Ave. Anyways, I was here to celebrate the birthday of a friend and we had this place locked down. The back room can be reserved for private parties. There is a pool table, photo booth, and a DJ. Good times.
Regrettably, I must say that the bartenders were slow. I wanted a Daisy Cutter stat, and it took forever. Hello? I am standing right in front of you with cash in hand. This is not River North or Lincoln Park, you are in Uptown, don't forget it! If I wanted to be ignored by bartenders I could go somewhere else.
/rant. -
Review from Chris K.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2011
I give it a 4 because it's a comfortable venue in an interesting neighborhood, plus when the trivia is good, it's really fun. The service is ok, and the food is a bit overrated, but the drinks are tasty, esp. the Gatsby. They also have Giant Jenga!
-
Review from Jenni S.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2011
When the first thing the server says to you is, "Nothing is going right today," you know you're in for a bumpy ride.
WORST SERVICE EVER. The thing is, I've stopped in here about half a dozen times, because it's so close, or because other friends who don't know better suggest it, and I go along. I always--ALWAYS--regret it.
This last visit, we stopped in on Sunday--prime post-softball drinking and dining time, and the women's world cup was playing, so they should have been ready for a full crowd. Not so much.
* When we got there, we could see TWO servers for the whole place, and ONE bartender (at least one other server eventually showed up, and from what we can tell, the manager pitched in). People at tables were going to the bar and standing in line for their drinks, rather than waiting 15 minutes to get a cold one brought by their server.
* It wasn't the kitchen's fault--a member of our party peeked in on her way back from the bathroom and saw full plates of ready food topping every available surface.
* How does a restaurant run out of lemons? Well, they did. So, our iced tea was sans fruit--until they ran out of iced tea. I switched to Diet Coke.
* We ordered appetizers (wings). It was 20 minutes before our server even checked to see how we were doing. When he saw we didn't have our food, he went away. The food didn't arrive until nearly ANOTHER half an hour later, when it was brought over by the manager--who didn't apologize for our long wait, or ask if we needed anything else.
We weren't the only ones. We saw other patrons staring toward the kitchen, chins resting in hand, looking disgusted. One table of women got up and left half-finished beers.
Like I said, this isn't the first time we've had crappy service. Once, the waitress took forever to take our drink order, waited an eternity to bring our drinks back, and--when she finally did, she saw a friend standing two tables away so rather than drop off our drinks and go chat with the pal, she practically THREW our bevvies on the table, landing in a corner of a table where neither of us could reach, then walked away. She didn't come back to take our food order, just kept on chatting. We walked out--she called after us, "Sorry, guys."
Never again. This place is the kind of horrible joint that makes me furious, it's so atrocious. It gets one star for the food being palatable, but that's it.
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