We went to Fat Cat before a concert at the Riv. Even at 7:00 it was loud AF. I know I'm getting old or whatever, but creating ambiance with loud 10-year-old hits doesn't really work. It's not an effective strategy. At least throw some ironic hits in there, like some Britney Spears. Or, better yet, focus on being a restaurant until 9 p.m. or so! Anyway, on to the food and drink. The beer I ordered (don't remember which one) was 86ed and it took someone 10 minutes to come out and let me know. The food was good. My hubby really enjoyed his burger. I liked my bean burger just fine, but they have those nasty brown fries that are always wilty and greasy no matter where you get them. Why oh WHY do restaurant distributors push those gross things on restaurants? (Do you know the ones I mean? Like Five Guys. Brown and flaccid and nasty). Hubby said that for as good as his burger was, the fries wrecked the meal. We asked for a side of ranch which came out liquid, as if it was half water. It was inedible, partly because it was just ranch-flavored liquid, and partly because it grossed me out because I worried that someone had spilled someone's water glass into the ranch. I was annoyed that we were charged $.55 for the ranch. My pal Carrie got two appetizers, the pretzels and fried mac 'n cheese. Both were very good. Whatever that sauce was that came with the fried mac 'n cheese, I would go back there just to have it again. If I do go back there, it'll be for that sauce. So, yeah. If you go, don't get ranch and don't get fries. But get the fried mac 'n cheese. read more

Really wanted to like this place but after waiting over thirty minutes to order- I decided to leave. I would've waited without a problem as I understand staffing issues, however, the staff was very rude and condescending when they finally came to our table. read more

This place is pure class. Friendly service and good energy. Their drinks are great with a large selection of cocktails!

The drinks and food are delicious. The staff is incredibly attentive and pleasant. The building itself is warm and comfortable but fun and lively as well. Definitely recommend read more

Hands down the best spot for drinks and dinner in Uptown, Chicago! Great staff and customer service, ample seating (lots of outdoor space with super comfy chairs) and a phenomenal drink list. I can't wait til they can start up trivia nights and other events! read more

Fat Cat - North side of the patio. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came to Chicago with one of my friends to visit a best friend of mine that I haven't seen in a long time. we wanted to go to the fat cat because we had never been there before it was very disappointing the server (woman with red hair) that we got was extremely rude to us and completely killed our upbeat vibe every single time she came to the table. she had attitude, was not friendly and we were honestly debating going to another bar to get a different round somewhere else because she completely killed our fun vibe. The established is very cute but I won't be returning due to the help! read more

I ordered poutine for delivery. It arrived without the gravy and the cheese sauce... I literally received fries with bacon and green onions on top....that's it. If I could give this place zero stars I would. I will not order from this restaurant ever again. read more

Great neighborhood spot with a retro feel. The waiters/waitresses make you feel like you're a regular even if it's your first time there. Surprisingly great food and a nice ambiance to either talk or sit and watch sports. If you're a people watcher (that sounds creepier than it should) then this offers a diverse group of folks from young 20s to older couples on a date, to groups coming in following a show at the next door theaters. My husband and I love this place! read more

Spacious, beautifully appointed space in Uptown. Friendly staff and excellent upscale bar menu. Great place to watch sports with a large group of friends. Everything you need in a corner bar. read more

My boyfriend & I came here because we love trying new bars and the drinks & food are amazing! Walter the bartender had the best service, especially for being super busy. Definitely recommend!! read more

We came into Fat Cat for the first time tonight and so glad we came! Atmosphere was vibrant and our bartender Walter truly was so friendly, welcoming, and fun! It was refreshing receiving that level of service and kindness! And of course, Walter made great cocktails! read more

Stopped in before a concert at Riviera and Rachael was the best! She gave us insight on what to order and was very friendly and helpful. She recommended drinks for us to try and nailed it! We had the best time and will definitely be back! read more

In all my experiences with restaurants I have learned that success is a 3-legged stool. To rally be big you have to have great food, great service, and cool/interesting ambience. Fat Cat, IMHO, only has the ambiance. This could be an awesome place but t feels like the staff just doesn't care a whole awful lot. The service was "fine" but the food was mediocre. Just ok. And the wings were rubbery undercooked skin. Pouting sauce tasted of flour (not cooked down enough). Calamari was acceptable. I will say the drinks were really good and reasonably priced. All in all a sad waste of an amazing location and ambience. Please, Fat Cat, show some passion! Until you do we won't be back. read more

I like Fat Cat. It's a good neighborhood place but unfortunately there staff rarely cares. Waiters can have bad attitudes and down right unfriendly. I've had a rare occasion of a good waiter. Worse the bartenders lack skills. They make drinks like slobs in a college frat party. The last time I was in the bartender made an old fashion for me he clearly had no idea the nuisance it takes to make that well. In general shame on them for being so sloppy. read more

We had pork sliders with fantastic crunchy pickles (I am a pickle snob) and tempura cheese curds and it was a perfect late night bite and I'd highly recommend it after a night of drinking or not drinking. read more

After a fun night of magic and arcade games, snacks were required. Fat Cat was within walking distance of Uptown Arcade and it was cold out so we just walked down here for some grub. I was able to get some Fried Mac and Cheese and some water and just sit and chat with my friend. Just munching on the fried mac and cheese was enough for me, but the rest of their menu looked really good too. read more

Came here for drinks, lunch, and to watch the game. Beer was good and food was fantastic. Got the grilled chicken sandwich and the hot mess burger, both were very good but the grilled chicken sandwich was especially great. read more

Went to FatCat before a show at the Aragon. We got there early enough that it wasn't too crowded and were able to sit right away. Our waitress was great, got our drink orders right away and our food orders came quickly. Even though the place was filling up quickly, we didn't feel rushed and were able to enjoy our time there. Would go back! read more

The burgers here are so good!!! I was pretty happy with the fries, too. I got a pear cocktail that was also amazing. Oh I almost forgot to say that the decide was fast and awesome. Okay, my one star off is because it was wayyy too loud in there. We were literally yelling... which also wasn't probably helping the noise, but it was the only way we could hear each other... can they put a drop ceiling in there or something? read more

Great place to eat with solid vegetarian options. Great drinks, service and experience.

Came in here on a Thursday night to take advantage of their 12th anniversary burger and a beer special for $12. The service was great, the beer was tasty, but the burger was a little off. It just didn't taste right. Despite that, I recommend the Fat Cat. It's a neat place with a little bit of outdoor seating as well. read more

Friendly staff. Large beer selection. Fast service. The bloody mary was very tasty. Black bean dip was great. Bean buger was excellent. Fries were just ok. Good atmosphere. Cool faucets in the bathrooms. read more

The drinks are amazing and Amanda, the bar tender, is amazing. Her vibe is everything. If you are looking for a good drink and vibes, head on over to Fat Cat Chicago! read more

This place is awesome! Favorite food item is the Reuben Balls! I absolutely love their selection of beer and the fantastic customer service. Amanda, James, Marcus and Allie are def the best! I was really happy to see that they are all back (after not being by in a quite some time obviously). read more

I am on a mission to personally revitalize Uptown, by pouring all of my hard earned pennies into it, with gusto. Ok, so maybe it was well on its way before I jumped on the bandwagon, but I shall do my part to patronize the businesses that are stepping in, cleaning things up, and hosting my neighbors. Fat Cat. Well done, my friend. A few fine ladies and I stopped in for a beer last night. With an eerie fog setting in, the temps dipped slightly, but nothing could hold us back from enjoying a delicious round of Ayinger Heffe Weizen. We enjoyed the patio...clinging to summer with all the will in the world. Despite being thisclose to busy Broadway, it was pleasant. Our server was quick and attentive, and it was the perfect nightcap... I'll be back for the food. The inside is tempting. This strip of Broadway is just the start.... Viva Uptown! read more

Fat Cat is a notch above your average pub in Uptown that I finally got around to going to over the holiday weekend. There's an extensive beer menu and it even had a couple of ciders on it that I'd never tried before, so that was a pleasant surprise. Decent selection of appetizers too. We had the hummus with pita and veggies and it was really good. And to counteract the healthiness of the hummus, we also got the basket o' fries, which came with an aioli sauce for dipping. It didn't taste much like aioli to me; I think it was just mayo. Good fries though and perfect for absorbing the booze. Friendly service and although it was too cool to sit out on the patio, I'm just happy there is one for those dog days of summer that are ahead. Fat Cat is one of those places where anyone would feel comfortable - neighborhood folks, people seeing a show at a nearby venue, those there to watch a game on one of their many screens, or even on a date. read more

I was very pleasantly surprised by Fat Cat! I have seen it numerous times when I have been doing laundry across the street but wasn't overly anxious to try it because of the mixed reviews on here. Glad I did! My friend and I went here on a Sunday night and it wasn't packed by any means, but there was several tables occupied. This places is really huge and decorated very cool. Also the bathrooms are nice and clean. Always a big plus in my book! Our server was a cute red haired girl that didn't stop smiling the entire time. She was very friendly and attentive. Another big plus. We ordered the corn dogs for an appetizer which were served on on a wood platform with each dog impaled on a tinker toy type stick. It had a trio of meat including a spicy sausage, polish sausages, and good ol' hot dogs. I only liked the hot dogs but that's cause I don't like other sausage anywhere. The presentation was the best part. I was trying to order something diet friendly after the corn dogs and went with the black bean burger. I don't think it was though cause it came with 2 huge patties. Well I use the term patty lightly. They were patty shaped however they were spreadable burgers. Yeah a little weird I know. The flavor was great though. It was just weird how mushy they were. I had a salad on the side topped with the 999 Island Dressing. Sooooo damn good! Really good. Did I say it was good? My friend had the grilled cheese. She said it was one of the best she's had and I have to agree. It was toped with pesto and garlic and it was incredible. Oh and I can't forget the drinks!!! They have a fun list of martinis. I had the Bomb Pop and it was excellent! Stoli Raspberry, Sprite, and Blue Island Pucker all layered to look like the Popsicle. Biggest plus of all! So to sum it all up, I really liked this place and Can see myself hanging out here since it's so close to my house. A new favorite! read more

I dig this place. Casual, classy environment but the best part is the food. So dang tasty. Mini corn dogs?! What could be better? And the Reuben Balls are divine. The entrees and salads are delicious too! The BBQ Pork sandwich is terrific and the Urban Turkey sandwich with carmelized onions and APPLES is the stuff dreams are made of. Tasty Tasty. As a former-Wisconsinite, I can always get behind a place that offers a fish fry, too! The beer list is great and the martinis are super. Major props to this establishment for giving uptown a spacious hang out with food that is divine. read more

Went in for a dinner with my housemates. When the server asked what I would eat, I asked for the Chicken Burger and pointed to the menu item which said: Grilled Chicken Organic free-range chicken, bacon red onion jam, provolone, arugula, pesto smear, pretzel bun. But because there was another menu item that is called a Chicken burger and different ingredients - she insisted that what I ordered wasn't a burger and it was grilled chicken. Yes I know - and that's what I want - it's a grilled chicken burger. She replied that it wasn't the burger. So I just told her I'd only drink and not eat. As she didn't seem to have the ability to take the order of food that I asked for - which I pointed to on the menu, told her that's what I wanted and have had before. I got up and left. Considered that place a Local semi regular dining choice. Not any more. read more

I've been to Fat Cat before, but just to drink, so taking a trip back to try a burger was exciting and far too long overdue. Their food didn't disappoint! My friend and I both ordered the Hot Mess Burger, which was described to be their own take on the Big Mac. I don't know if I can really say that it's like a Big Mac other than it being a burger with similar toppings, but I guess that's a good thing if you think McDonald's is trash because this burger was glorious. Unfortunately, the service was a really lacking. Our server let us seat ourselves (no big deal), but didn't bring us any napkins or silverware. Considering that my friend and I ordered a burger called a "hot mess," that was a bit of a bummer. Our food came, but it took a while for our server to come back for us to ask for what we needed so we had to just sit with our plates for a while. When our server came to do a table touch, she was really surprised that we hadn't started eating our burgers. She quickly brought our stuff we asked for, but didn't make an effort to apologize for not having given us napkins or utensils in the first place. She wasn't rude about it, so I guess that's a plus? I'm a bit of stickler for servers being on their game, and that entire situation was a bit annoying. tl;dr - the food is fantastic, drinks are good, I'll probably be back again but it won't be at the top of my list read more

Fat Cat is not as cool as it looks. Like many things in life. I've passed this bar a million times since it opened, and have thought, "I have to check this place out." But I haven't. Either it's closed -- they open at 4 during the week -- or I've been on the way to another assignation, or whatever. It's easy walking distance from my house, but I don't feel drawn there. The Force is not strong with this one. So the other night I finally dropped in with a few friends. And I can give it a resounding, "Meh." The design is very cool. Lots of wood, some deco-y lighting, cool vintage artwork. Definitely a 50s/60s lounge vibe. With huge flatscreen TVs playing sports everywhere you look. WTF? It feels like the owners tried to open a cook cocktail lounge, which failed miserably, and so they scrambled to save their asses. The giant Jenga game is cool, if totally out of place. The dressed down (way down) servers completely clash with the decor. The noise level is pretty high for a half empty bar. The frat-rat clientele are a disappointment. I won't not go back to Fat Cat. But nothing makes me want to go back. read more

I finally have been led to Fat Cat on a few occasions and it hasn't let me down yet. The place looks cool and has everything I'd want in a drinking spot especially as the weather gets better. From a pretty good layout inside, ample tables outside, decent amount of flat screens in the bar and even the shuffleboard in the back, this place has what it takes to be a very solid choice in Uptown for some fun times. I've read some reviewers that mentioned the service was lacking and I haven't had that experience but I've only stayed around the bar area. So far I have had very good service and the staff has been great. I'll go back for a burger and some drinks out in their patio soon so I'll keep an eye out for that. read more

Few things keep me up at night in fear: the perpetual Chinese interest and purchasing of the National Debt; how Andy Rooney has survived this long, surpassing Keith Richards on the Zombie Scale; and the fact that Fat Cat continues to serve their wretched Cuban Pork "Sammy." Despite using annoying, hollow-headed Rachael Ray-isms such as "Sammy" to describe it on their menu, I ordered the sandwich in anticipation, fondly remembering the Cubans I've feasted upon numerous times in Miami, with each one holding a vise-like grip on my heart--or aortic valve--figuratively and literally. With the bar set pretty high, I wondered how Fat Cat would serve up this culinary treasure of the Northern Caribbean. Would it be succulent, melting in my mouth with every bite? Will the sweet and spicy rub come across, and how did the Chef render it? Who, in their right mind, would serve Cuban Pork on stiff Italian bread like a Ciabatta roll? All these questions were answered when my food arrived and I took the first bite. As I sunk my teeth into it, the synapses fired chaotically in my brain, my face recoiling in horror. I wouldn't--hell, I physically couldn't--take another bite. Never mind the fact that the seasoning was incredibly off its mark, the fat hadn't been rendered off at all, leaving the grease and viscous fat pieces to squirt into my mouth. I calmly placed the "sammy" on the plate, and pondered how on earth anyone could possibly let that leave the kitchen. I am fully convinced Fat Cat's slow cooker is a Black and Decker Microwave, or quite possibly just sunlight, with the Chef cackling maniacally as he plates his botched classics. I've eaten some questionable sandwiches in my day--Burro Asada y Queso in Juarez, Mexico, anyone?--but this had to have been one of the worst sandwiches I've ever encountered. Not one redeeming quality about the meal, aside from the fries, which if you can't do at $8.00 a plate, you need to be canned. The slaw was red cabbage in whichever vinegar they happened to sell at the Family Dollar down Broadway, and the service was neglecting at best. Fat Cat, my hat is off to you. You've earned the title of Worst Meal I've ever had in this city. read more

Helllloooooo....? Such a nice space - open windows, a light and airy feel. There's plenty of space to sit: bar stools around the bar, high tables on the side, and booths in the front. The back room was full of games - shuffleboard and other such fun. But... Hellooo...? Why am I having such a hard time getting the bartenders' attention? Am I magically invisible? I want to order a beer, and, ya know, give you money for it. I'm the only one at the bar (the rest of my bar crawling crew has congregated en masse closer to the door). It's just little ol' me. Little ol' me and a framboise lambic, s'il vous plait. Oh cute, a Bloody Mary cart! You pick your mix (they had an assortment of spicy-ness), and decorate your drink with celery, olives, and pepper to taste. But... I want a beer. Please. Success! A bartender finally takes note of my puppy dog eyes and despite confusion over my order, is able to provide me with libations once I point to the tap. Oh, but... now my bar crawl group is leaving and I have to either slam this drink or abandon it at the bar. After working so hard to get it, there is no way I'm leaving a drop of lambic in that glass. Fast drinking it is. read more

We went to Fat Cat for the first time last week. The only thing I could remember from reading the reviews about Fat Cat, was that there is loud music played during weekend nights. I can think of a thousand things I'd rather do than sit in a restaurant/bar, scream at my friends, and miss out on conversation because my hearing sucks. Off to a quiet lunch we go! We walked in (with our canes) shortly after it opened and there was one other table. In my experience, when getting to a restaurant right after it opens for the day, the food is not as good as it could be. I'm not sure if it's because they aren't ready, they have a less experienced cook on staff, etc. HOWEVER, as of late, we have been having experiences where the food is actually better at these slow times because staff isn't rushed. In fact, we won't even order food at our neighborhood joint, Bar on Buena, if it's busy because of this. We were expecting typical bar food. I went with the Thanksgiving Day sandwich because well, I could eat Thanksgiving type food any and every day of the year. I was worried when I saw my green bean casserole. There was a layer of onions and beans sitting on a pool of gray sauce. I was having serious doubts until I tried it--holy $hit balls! Looks were deceiving and it was very tasty. The sandwich was also really good and after finishing nearly all of it I realized I should have done the "low-carb" thing and ate it sans bread. I had issues walking home because I ate too much. The 'band got the Buffalo Chicken sandwich and said it was one of the best he's ever had. He got it with a side of chili cheese fries, which he liked but I was not too crazy about the taste of the chili. Staff was friendly and attentive. They were playing some great Motown hits and singing along. So, Fat Cat was a pleasant surprise. And, after seeing they have 2 Below on draft, that sealed the deal. We will definitely be back. read more

I came here for their hangover--er, I mean "New Years Day" brunch, braving chilly temps, flurries, and icy sidewalks for the privilege. The bartender welcomed us and invited us to sit wherever we liked, which pretty much meant the one open table in the back. They had a mimosa bar with a champagne fountain--where you could choose between orange, pomegranate, pineapple, and white cranberry as the mixers--for only $9 for an unlimited supply, which really helped NYD be a bit more bearable. They're going for a retro-50s kitsch look, which you can see in their light fixtures and menus, but which is negatively impacted by all the flat screens shooting out football, and which no one even seemed to be watching anyway. Seriously considering the mushroom and goat cheese frittata on the brunch menu, I felt like I needed fries so I went with the black bean veggie burger. Apparently this place is a collaboration between the guys from Five Star and Silver Cloud, and you can see the Silver Cloud influence on the menu, which includes such comfort food oddities as fried mac and cheese with bacon pepper. While my companion and I were waiting for our food we amused ourselves by observing the bartender, who seemed to clearly enjoy his job and be genuinely happy serving his clientele. At one point he even exclaimed "this place is awesome!" and we giggled at his unbridled sincerity. We were amazed that he could be so genuinely happy without being annoying, cloying, or other such -ing adjective. My veggie burger was actually two veggie burgers on one bun, plus avocado and cheese, along with lettuce, onion, and tomato. Puzzled as to how I could get this thing into my mouth, I discovered that the bean patties were actually somewhat pliable--sort of like falafel--and could be smooshed down to an easier to handle diameter. And wow, was it tasty--perfectly spicy, fragrant and delish. The fries that it came with were phenomenal. Somewhere between steak frites and your run-of-the mill fries, they were mega crispy with skins left on, and a pleasantly warm, mushy interior. The beer bottle case condiment container has a house blend spicy vinegar which is packed with hot peppers and a few cloves of garlic, and goes well on the fries. Despite the whole 50s thing they've got going on, for some perplexing reason they played nonstop porn groove and 70s funk the whole time we were there. They've also got a pool table in the back, and, according to the sign in the swank, low-lit ladies bathroom, offer swing dancing (partners not required). And although he didn't serve us directly, I tipped the bartender for being awesome. *giggle* read more

Now with life-size Jenga!!! Two by fours cross stacked together like the game. Cool if you're playing it, sucks if it crashes and scares the crap out of you when you're trying to drink. I made a mess three times in one night. It's loud!! I forgot to mention the great patio for those perfect weather days. read more

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. read more

I went to Fat Cat for lunch Saturday before heading to Market Days. The drinks were great but the food was... meh. The Peanut Butter Chocolate Martini was amazing, I can't stop thinking about the peanut butter foam! I never wanted it to end. The Corn Dog Trio was a good idea with a great presentation, but still kinda weak. There were two skewer each of vienna hot dog, polish sausage, and spicy sausage, but there was only one chunk of meat battered on each skewer. So it was six bites of food with three huge cups of sauce. The chicken skewers were a complete waste of time. There were three tiny pieces of chicken, each the size of my finger, for $7.95. The sauces that came with them were totally incompatible, one yogurt sauce and one soy sauce. Weird. Fat Cat's idea of portions are way off. The basket of fries could feed a small army, yet the apps were a few bites of food at best. Awesome beer selection and drink list, but on second thought, we should have eaten at Market Days. read more

My recent visit to Fat Cat involved the following: Great music: Shins, Of Monsters and Men, Rubblebucket Pretty good food: veggie burger: homemade, crumbly, substantial; fries good Expensive beer: my friend, the beerophile, was surprised that her nothin' special pint was $9; that said, they have a decent variety including (paging David R.) Iron City in bottles Comfy, large booths: almost everyone I know prefers the booth side when given the option, and a big wrap-around booth makes everyone happy Indifferent service: there is a seat-yourself protocol, but you won't know it until you present yourself and are ignored for several minutes, and then your server may take his or her time with the rest Free parking: we found a spot down Gunnison and enjoyed some bonus entertainment when we noticed a homemade sign on another car, describing the owner's surveillance and vigilantism towards anyone who would break his or her windshield... So, overall, not bad but didn't knock my socks off. I noticed they have trivia on Tuesdays, so that might be worth checking out. There is also apparently an outside area too. No fat cat though. read more