Heard about Fat Cap from a friend and we went there for lunch today and... its all about the meat! BBQ Ribs, Rib Tips, Brisket, Pork Shoulder, Pork Belly, Chicken, and Sausage. Some sides as well. The proprietor gave us a small piece of the Pork Belly as a sampler - very nice. The Kansas City, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama BBQ sauces available - all very distinctly different. The decor is spot on for BBQ as well - Corrugated Sheet Metal and Picnic Tables, metal trays and paper towels for the meat. Pricey for lunch - but I had a 1/2 lb of brisket, which is Market Priced. My friend had chicken, and rib tips - which were also good. The rib tips had a slightly sweet and very flavorful rub. With beef so expensive these days and the pork and chicken as good as they were - they could be better options if price is an issue. With Texas as my place of origin, I am always on the lookout for good BBS. Despite the fact that there was no Texas BBQ sauce, pickles, or onions for the sandwich - still my vote for currently best BBQ in town! I think Fat Cap will find a growing customer base as word gets out. read more

I called to place an order for pick up for Saturday. They asked if this was for a catering, I said no that we were having a get together. She asked what I would be ordering I said about 4 pds of meat, said, WE HAVE A MINIMUM OF $200.00 ORDER FOR THIS TYPE OF PICK UP. Then I said well maybe we will look elsewhere. This is horrible! read more

Stopped here because we saw it on yelp. Great selection of meats which all smelled great. We had the pulled pork and brisket. They both were great and they had a great variety of sides and sauces. read more

The meats are amazing; I've never had better pork belly. The disappointing thing is the lack of reasonable side items. Sure, they have corn and some "broccoli salad," but I would hope they would have more veggie options. Very good brisket, chicken, and ribs. It's a great causal place (I just wish they had salad as a side item). read more

Best pulled pork I have had in a long time. Been to TX, KC, NC, SC and can't think of one that tops this. I had pulled pork and Mac N Cheese so cant judge the rest. Have 4 different sauces to choose from and food portions. It was empty tonight but have been there before where they were out of food for the day because it was packed and sold out. Was happy to come back. Little things bother me so without details I felt rushed and felt customer service was lacking. Not severe or rude or mean just lacking. Maybe a bad night or personal situation. Hope all is well there. I will be back and I will try something else. Definitely check it out if you want smoked meat. read more

I love smoked meats. I stopped in here to pick up some Rib Tips for a customer. I walked out with a perfectly smoked pulled pork, ribs and beef brisket. They were completely out of Rib Tips. But, I convinced my customer that she wouldn't be disappointed in any of the meats they had in the case. This will be my new go to for barbecue. I highly recommend this place. read more

The barbecue here is very good the hours are somewhat strange and it is a little pricey. The entrees and sides are sold separately. For the barbecue on trays look at paying somewhere between 7 to $15 Dollars and entree And $4 for each side read more

I ordered ribs, brisket, pork belly, and mac and cheese. Starting with the good, the mac and cheese and the ribs were good. Best I've had in this area. The pork belly was ok. It was smoked nicely but lacked in the flavor you expect. And finally the brisket. It looked wonderful. Nice smoke ring. Great bark. Flavor was ok at best. But it was very very dry. And that's saying something since I was given the point end. It was also sliced wrong for point end brisket. Overall on the meat, they do have some of the better in the area. But still needs alot of work. No compairison to anything I've had visiting texas or other places in the US known for good bbq. On to the bbq sauces. I love the variety. Another review said the have 5 different sauces, I only saw 4. The KC sauce is what you would expect and most people around here Re familiar with. The South Carolina is my favorite. Its not a true South Carolina bbq sauce but it is my favorite version of it. The North Carolina sauce reminds me of malt vinegar you use on French fries. It's good, but not what I prefer for bbq. The Alabama White sauce is very good. I've only tried it 2 or 3 times previously so I can't comment on how it compares to others. read more

This was a great stop! The brisket was tender and juicy with the perfect mount of smoke, crust and tons of flavor. Hubs had the rib tips and said they were excellent. We tried all of the choices of sauces and decided that the Kansas City was our favorite. Least favorite was the North Carolina, which actually surprised me. I highly recommend giving this place a try. You won't regret it! read more

You can't call in a to go order of ribs to pick up on the way home from work. They said it's first come first served only. I'm not driving out of my way for a specific item to be told they do not have any. Will not eat here. 1 star for bad business model. read more

went here, was told out of mini tips. Now the meat looked good, like a cute first date,but the the sauces, all 5 of the were not. Like, you find out that your stacked date is a moron. The hep was nice, the sauces, or lack thereof, just made me feel like a got gypped. Kinda like famous daves, better to stay at home and do it yourself read more

Pretty cool place to grab a bite to eat. My brisket was very tender. They are knowledgeable of gluten free products and knew what products had gluten. The food is a little pricey for me, but I wanted to give it a try. The place is CLEAN and the staff is very friendly. read more

My boyfriend and I came around 5 pm on a Sunday and it was pretty empty so we opted to sit and watch football but people kept coming in and out for to go orders. This place is popular for very obvious reasons. We each got a pulled pork sandwich but it was so big we could have easily shared. Their tender pulled pork with the sweet Carolina bbq was sublime. The cole slaw was creamy, the baked beans were homemade, and the mac and cheese was killer. Another great plus: the staff members were super friendly. Definitely a new favorite place in the bend. My only regret is we didn't come when it was suggested to us back in August when we moved here! read more

Stellar BBQ spot in south bend. Long smoked brisket was excellent, the ribs were falling off the bone, and 4 styles of great bbq sauce to choose from. Stand out baked beans and potato salad were my favorite sides and the corn bread was great too. Don't think they need more good reviews because the place was cranking. read more

I thought the Prized Pig was the best BBQ in the Michiana area, but Fat Cap is much, much better. Jeremy is doing an amazing job. I've now eaten there 3 times and I can't wait to get back. I'm most wowed by the ribs - tender, but not meat jello - perfectly cooked on all 3 occasions. The brisket, pulled pork, and hot links are also stellar. I want to get back for some pork belly and be on top of it the next time chicken wings and burnt ends come around. We have waited a looooong time for BBQ this good in Michiana. This place competes with Smoque in Chicago, and dare I say, my now-closed classic BBQ Chicago joint, Uncle John's. I haven't had either in some time, so it might not be a fair comparison, but it doesn't matter. Fat Cap is a treasure for BBQ hounds. Great job, Jeremy! read more

4 stars for now - I've only been here once but so glad that I did. Stopped in for lunch on our way out of town with my parents and the hubs. It was a crazy weekend for us and just wanted something fast and good without it being fast food. We ordered a variety of things and I loved it all - brisket, hot links, ribs and chicken. I think the chicken may have been a little salty for me but other than that super tasty. We will definitely go back when we head back in town. read more

Excellent pulled pork. Great smoky flavor. I loved that they have 4 kinds of barbecue sauce to try too. Baked beans were amazing! Broccoli salad is flavorful. Mac n cheese is good. Corn was very good. Corn bread was pretty good. Just a little heavy. I would give 5 stars if they added collard greens, okra and green beans to the selection. One of the best barbecues we've had on a long trip across the US. read more

Been waiting so long for the owner of prized pig to be brought back to the BBQ game. Thank you to the fine folks at Render in south bend for making this happen. I was actually the second in line on their very first day. The art work done by a Chicago artist makes the place look awesome. Smells amazing walking up. Family style dining with picnic tables and concrete floors. I love it. Try everything. Food broken down into # and sandwich as well as items on their own. 4 sauces to choose from and tons of sides. Pickled veg is fantastic just a little bit stronger bite would be great. I'm not giving 5 stars because no cornbread and the Mac and cheese as well as cornbread done by the pitmaster at prized pig was not of this world!!!! I'll give 5 stars for that Mac and cornbread to be brought back. Keep it up guys. Thank you read more

I don't claim to be a barbecue expert, but I have had it at some of the revered spots in places like Memphis, Kansas City, Austin, and Eastern NC, and I've gotta say, this is some of the best, most skillfully cooked damn BBQ I've ever had anywhere. Usually the barbecue you get around these parts is a slab of overcooked ribs slathered in store bought sauce that is way too sweet and cooked at a high temp to the point that they're chewy. But at Fat Cap, you can definitely taste the passion they have for their craft in every single bite, and I don't use the word "craft" lightly. What they do is culinary art. It is a highly refined skill. Everything I've had on their menu is incredible. You can't go wrong on any day of the week, but I'd recommend going whenever they have their Kansas City burnt ends special. They, like everything else on their menu, are out of this world. Also, please note that the only ONE star reviews here are from "Melanie" and "Cheryl" below, who apparently have no problem potentially harming someone's livelihood with a thoughtless one star yelp review, just because the business in question wouldn't completely bend their policies for their spoiled asses. "This place is the worst and NOBODY should go here because they didn't bend to all my petty demands." Screw y'all. read more

So I've waited in line on two separate occasions to try this bbq I've read the other reviews and I have to ask are these people just upset bc of the amount of attention this shop is getting i read someone criticizing the menu being sprayed painted on the wall like if that is your most serious complaint on why you don't like it then ask for a menu in Braille and close your eyes. With your eyes still closed taste some of the finest meats south bend has to offer and write your review on the food I am so glad to see the community supporting local businesses and when the community decides to ruin someone's dreams by writing bad reviews is terrible. I' am so happy that we have a bbq shop in south bend that will be here to stay. Dilly Philly read more

Glorious juicy smoked meats torn asunder before your salivating eyes then served aside some gooey cheesy Mac and the best cornbread north of the Mason Dixon line. Love this place. Clean, efficient and overtly tasty. read more

Very good, we had the rib tips the best i have had on al long time. Priced right and the staff is very friendly.

You've gotta try it! I'm from NC and we like to think we have good barbeque, but Fat Cap is by far the best barbeque I've ever had. The beef brisket and chicken literally melt in your mouth. You don't even need the sauce! The cornbread is to die for, super moist and not dry like your typical cornbread. Will definitely be back! read more

I met the owner of Fat Cap within the first few days of their grand opening. He personally delivered a sample of their Prime Rib to my husband and I to test out and tell others about. We have spent hundreds of dollars there since. Best meat hands down. Brisket, chicken, it's all good! I will say the sides aren't as good, but I'm all about the meat. Fat Cap over Frankie's, fight me lol. read more

They sold out of everything but the pulled pork by the time I got there (late afternoon). I thought the pulled pork and sauces were solid, above average but nothing that blew me away. The person serving the food and the lady running the cash register were not friendly at all. They had terrible attitudes and were flat out rude when they talked to you. The inside was a bit rundown, but it was clean so I won't complain. It isn't a place you would want to take a date, at least if you wanted to impress them. I am going to give them another try, it was my fault they were sold out of most items as I went later in the day. Next time I go I will be sure to make it before Noon to ensure that they have all the items available. However, regardless of how good the food might be, I will not tolerate anyone talking or treating me in a disrespectful manner like they did during my first visit. I hope that was just them being overwhelmed as they just opened. read more

Try the sliced brisket! It's juicy, tender with a nice smoke ring. Corn bread and Mac and cheese are tasty sides.

Darrick L you are an idiot. You must be smoking too much of that Niles ditch weed you hill jack. The food at fat cap is off the charts good and the smoke content is spot on. The brisket is the best is the area and the Hot link sausage is off the charts too. The Carolina vinegar sauce is great with the sausage. Ryan and Jeremy have a hit home run in Fat Cap and I expect it will only grow. If they ever add craft beers look out! The line will run down 31 to ditch weed town (niles). No smoke at all......what a tool. If you like good BBQ get there soon. LEGIT read more

Fat Caps in South Bend Indiana. They have 7 different meats about 6 or seven sides. They were out of beans we would have like to try them . Had Mac and cheese I would say it was average and corn breads. It 2s good but was could not find any butter of honey to pit on it. We did not ask. The briskets was as good as I have ever had.5/5. Pork ribs good nice dry rub 4/5 burnt ends 3/5 would not do the again. Pork belly 4/5. Desert Burnt cake was 6/5 I'd go back for that alone read more

Great BBQ! I had the Brisket sandwich and the broccoli salad. Both were amazing! The best part though was the corn bread! Definitely the best corn bread I have ever had. A must on my list now. read more

Okay, I tried Fat Cap for a third time and was impressed. The ribs had an actual smoked flavor. The rib tips were also great this time. Sauces are good. Still wish they had fries or had meal options that include the sides. read more

Didn't have to go through complicated menu and pretentious service. Simplest Menu ever. To the point, good food. The interior is urban and outdoorsy with park bench and graffiti to which the name Fat Cap refers too. I would go there everyday if I could. read more

Pulled pork and brisket sandwich was amazing. 4 varieties of BBQ sauces and excellent sides. If you are looking for a place to eat instead of a chain I would recommend. read more

Awesome food! I'm always looking for a cool place to eat and to avoid chain restaurants. I was visiting from Knoxville, TN. This is something we would find in our cool town. It is a great place! Yummy food! Good service! read more

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Came here for dinner on the suggestion from the hotel clerk where we are staying. WOW! Great Bar B Que! Sauces on the side. Staff was very helpful and the sides are delicious and Huge!! Highly suggest Fat Cap if you are anywhere in the area!! read more

Delicious. Great portions. Nice atmosphere. Wished we were able to eat our leftovers but we went to a ND after while they sat in the car :(

As others have said, WOW. Fat Cap is a small, totally legit BBQ joint. Cute inside, limited menu. The meats are cut on the counter as you order them. The sides were really good also. Each side is enough for two people. We had the chicken and the pork. Next time, the brisket! read more

Two words for this joint . . . Yankee BBQ. How in the world do you have the nerve to put a pig in the air yet fail to brew your own iced tea? Brisket was dry and tasted like a bland piece of pot roast. The ribs were like jerky. Surprised they didn't sell hot dogs and hamburgers. No trace of vinegar in the North Carolina sauce. I mean really, how do you get something so simple, so so wrong? They should change the name to old fashioned Connecticut style BBQ. And get the pig off of the sign until you earn it. read more

Great BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and sides. Seems like mostly a takeout place, but they do have some seating (picnic tables) inside. Cornbread is on the sweet side for me, but my family loves it. We've also tried the brisket, sausage, mac & cheese and baked beans; all tasty. read more

Very long sorry!!! The first time I came here food was amazing, customer service was also very nice. The second time not so much, we did a phone in order. My boyfriend paid for the order and saw like 5 boxes so he ASSUMED our order was correct . Then we drove all the way to Michigan to have dinner with my family, I opened the box noticed our rib tips looks very small and we were missing one. So i called the store asking if they charged me for the other rib tip because my total was very high and I didn't want to pay for something I didn't receive. The man who answered automatically tried to say "yeah I know I put it in there... I packaged it" I told him once again it wasn't. So he puts me on hold for bit and the lady who took our order started talking... you can tell she's irritated because she has to look up what she charged. She never tells me what she charged me but states "I put both lbs in the same box since you ordered 2" I hate confrontation so I said okay thanks and hung up. But we were still super confused bc there was only like 4 ribs in there... so my mom decided to weigh them and there wasn't even a half a pound ( with the box included) like we ordered and this lady told me she put 2 half pound ribs in this box... so my sister called this lady back explaining that not only was there's not the weight that we paid for and she LIED about putting two in the box and we got over charged. Her explanation was "the man who ordered the ribs did not say he wanted 1 lb, all I heard was the half a pound" what? Even though she told me on the first call she put BOTH half a pounds in one box???? then you can tell she was embarrassed bc we caught her in a lie... she apologized many times and we did get a refund for the meat. But it's never good to lie to your customers if you made a mistake own up to it, I would've understood but blaming it on the customer and lying doesn't look good for ANYONE. read more

Was craving burnt ends! Was in the area for the racetrack and used Yelp to find something on the way. Good meat, some bites were a tad dry but the sauce helped. The Elotes style corn had some heat and a large portion that I couldn't finish. Little pricey but I'm willing to pay more for good food. Open seating with 3 long picnic tables and clean. read more