My FAVORITE BBQ Place in town! The food is excellent. My favorite is the salad with bbq chicken, yummy!! The service is great. Very comfortable, clean, sweet family atmosphere. Always happy to find and support Mom & Pop businesses.
(5)
Ronnie M.
Going to Fat Boy's Bar-B-Que Ranch is a spiritual experience! For those who love BBQ that is so good you don't even have to have sauce....this is the place. (Even though they have a good sauce) For those who like on the bone chicken that is so tender that it falls off the bone....this is the place. For those who like tender ribs good enough to make your tongue wrap around your neck and choke you half to death.....this is the place. For those who like banana puddin made daily like your momma use to make(well even better, but don't tell her).....this is the place. For those who like camp stew and homemade potato salad second to none.....this is the place. They got more meat choices and sides that are just as good. Lest I keep going, I think you catch my drift........this is the place. It's had write ups in magazines and served at Alabama and Auburn Football games. There is no better. Smoked for hours and you smell it when you pull up!! Yum! Yum! Plus they have great service, plenty of room for bus groups and they get you in and out pretty doggone quick. It's not like one of those big BBQ chains that don't care what they serve you, but it is a family run business that is run by one of the finest families around. Danny and Gretchen and their staff will do whatever they can to make your experience the best it can possibly be. If you ain't satisfied, let them know. They will make it right. Plenty of seating and a wrap around porch for you to sit on and relax. I highly reccommend this place for traveling groups and individuals. Groups should call ahead so that they can have it ready for you when you get there. I had to move from the Prattville area several years ago and it broke my heart not to have it close by, but you can be assured that every time I pass by or when I bring a group through. We stop!! It's well worth our time. Get off the interstate and drive a few miles into downtown Prattville and you will be glad you did!!!
(5)
Newton H.
Okay, where do I start.......DELICIOUS, is still short of how good it is! Not a knife in the place and nobody needs one! Fat Boy Special offers a taste of it all and it leaves you with a smile! Must have the potato salad for a side (as good as my grandma Hansel's). Don't forget to save room for the strawberry pudding! Checking my calendar for when I can head back!!
(5)
Will O.
Perhaps it is simply a difference in styles from state-to-state (being from TX and SC), and perhaps it was an off day, but the meat was incredibly bland and very dry. Sausage was like a Jimmy Dean. The sauce was thick, sweet, and honey based. Got the sampler plate for $20 (plus tax). Big portion for the price, but the meat simply did not do it for me. Atmosphere was the best part of the experience. Service was not good. Have had MUCH better Q in Alabama. Would not go back.
(2)
Bob C.
Really deep smoked with little need for sauce. Get there early or the ribs will be gone and the cobbler will be eaten up. I got the blackberry fried pie and it was awesome. I had no idea what a fried pie would be, but I'm a fan now.
(5)
Chris S.
We stopped in on our way from Indiana to Florida. Great food and fast service. Everyone loved their meal - pulled pork sandwiches, pulled pork meal, and ribs. My wife loved the stew too. Gretchen was super nice and patient with us as we figured out what to order. Would definitely come here again.
(5)
Arthur H.
Went here on recommendation of local family members. The women who great me was very pleasant full of southern hospitality. She very helpful going over menu and making recommendations. Went with favorite of pulled pork, but I opted to add the brisket as I like beef. The brisket is tender and falls apart and it's flavor is better than that of the pork. Both meats were good. The sauce though was lacking. It had a sweetness but there was a funny twang that I don't think came from vinegar?? I put this place between three and four stars.
(4)
Marc B.
Pulled pork was tender and delicious. The baked beans had a hint of chilli or something spicy in it and just set them apart! Mixed with the great potato salad and it's heavenly! Wife got a tater and that could have fed a family of 5! The peach cobbler was some of the best I've ever tasted!!!
(5)
Alexander B.
Our family was driving through Alabama on I-59 a few days ago and were looking for a place to eat on the way down to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. I found this, and told my family to go here. This place really feels like country and the pork was actually pretty good. But the brisket was phenomenal!! I love taking road trips for vacation, only because I get to see many things and go to places like this! So if anyone is driving through Alabama and looking for some tasty BBQ, I would totally recommend this place.
(4)
Jeanette H.
The best bbq I've ever had: the meat was so flavorful, and it just fell off the bone. A slight smoky taste--this Californian felt like I was wine tasting, there were so many flavors to savor. The owner had to encourage me to try some of his special sauce--the meat was so wonderfully cooked and flavorful, I ate most of it without sauce. The baked beans were just as good as my grandmother's homemade baked beans. If I'm ever in Prattville again, I will be sure to come back! Next time, though, I'd skip the french fries, and try a different side. And since this Californian is far from a bbq expert, I'd place more faith in the review of the locals who came in after me, and said Fat Boy's was the best barbecue in town. The gentleman highly recommended the smoked chicken. I ended up going with the owner's two favorite meats--brisket and ribs, both of which were fabulous (they tried to talk me into the combo plate of all the different meats, but I just couldn't eat that much!). In the dining room, Fox News was playing (a little too loud), but the owner came out and visited with me, chatting about his family background in the trucking business, and all the places we've both visited. He recently attended the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for the first time, and since I work in theater, we chatted quite a bit about that. He raved about the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and said he went because so many of the actors came in to eat while working on the show. ASF, I assured him, has a national reputation as a top-notch company. A fantastic dinner, great company, and a wonderful slice of Southern hospitality.
(5)
Brad S.
I walked up to the counter, ordered a pork sandwich, a side of fries, and a drink, and without batting an eye, the owner looks at me and tells me it's $9.57. Clearly he's been doing this for a while, and it probably explains why Fat Boy's is the best barbecue I've had in the Montgomery area. Barbecue is not rocket science, though with as many dry pieces of meat I've had to smother in sauce, you'd be excused for thinking it was. In the case of Fat Boy's and the other better barbecue place in town, Varsity, it comes down to a matter of fat and its inclusion in the overall dish. My sandwich had a very good amount of fat throughout, and as such it was the perfect collection of chopped pork. It needed no sauce, nor did it exist in this earthly realm long enough for me to reach for the squeeze bottle. The sauce is another interesting component. It's dark and sweet, though not in a way that ascribes to a particular region of barbecue. The ingredients listed on the bottle included sauce (duh), pineapple juice, and other sugars; as you might expect, it was sweet to the point of nearly giving me a stomachache as I liberally applied it to each of my fries. Still, it comes back to the fundamentals that solidify Fat Boy's as one of the area's best: hickory smoke and plenty of fat to keep things lubricated. For as much as the owners want to believe the Lord told them to make this barbecue cabin a little bit off the path of downtown Prattville, it's more simply their ability to properly work a smoker that makes their meats heavenly.
(5)
Danny M.
Great BBQ for our annual college gameday roadtrip on our way to Tuscaloosa. Probably the best potato salad with a hint of cinnamon and very good slaw. Pulled pork plate was good and the food came out to our table in 5 minutes. And it doesn't hurt that Mr. Danny is a great guy
(4)
LeKeyshia P.
It was good but my pulled pork plate was cold, and there wasn't any real flavor to the pork until I added their "bbq" sauce which was okay. The baked beans had good flavor, I just wish I had more beans and less sauce (seriously I had like a small scoop of beans compared to my husband and we ordered the same thing.) The fries were soggy not crisp, and the potato salad was real pickly. Over all its okay, not the best I've eaten but not the worst either, also it was a bit pricy for the portion sizes. You can get more bbq and sides that taste better and arrives to the table hot from other places.
(3)
Nina U.
The Fat Boy BBQ Ranch really is like a ranch. They just need some cows and horses and dogs outside. There's a dirt parking lot in front of the building that is next to the "crick." The benches on the front porch are perfect for sipping iced tea and going to town on good BBQ. It all smells good. Head on inside to order at the counter before you get your drinks (all you can drink cups so don't order the gallon unless you're taking it to go). There's tables inside too but the air conditioning was cold. I would rather sit outside but I'm sure that's nice when it starts getting hotter. Ribs and pulled chicken were great. Some ribs fell off the bone and some didn't - must have been two different batches. Beans are the best I've ever had and I bought a bottle of BBQ sauce to take home. Coleslaw was different with cut up dill pickles in it, I liked it but it seemed a little more runny than I like it...pretty much the norm for this area though. Totally forgot to try the hush puppies. And if you order the peach cobbler (made with canned peaches) it's kinda small so don't expect to share. Ask them to throw it in the oven for a few more minutes (or 30) cause the crust was underdone.
(5)
James S.
Still my favorite bbq joint.. I keep trying others and none of its like my Fat Brother! There brisket had me tryin to smuggle it back on the plane.. No those arent drugs, they are rib tips.. If ever in Prattvile u know what to do!
(5)
Holli D.
3 of us went for lunch. We each ordered unsweet tea and just a BBQ sandwich each, no sides. That was a good choice, because the amount of meat they put on their sandwiches is INSANE!!! The meat was tasty & moist!!! Service was attentive and the place has a small town country feel.
(5)
Laura M.
Just great BBQ. The sausage and pulled pork were awesome, and I really enjoyed their homemade BBQ sauce. The potato salad and baked beans were exceptional. Walk in, grab a menu and place your order. Grab your sweet tea and either sit down at a table inside or you can grab a seat outside and watch the creek go by on a great day. Check out the website for exact menu pricing/hours, etc. I'll be back!
(5)
josh w.
Now this is what I am talking about! The one thing I was looking forward to on my trip into Alabama was some real southern BBQ and this place did not disappoint. The place was a shack...but then all the best BBQ places are. It was order at the front and serve your self. No fancy fixins' here. The brisket was eqisite. Slaw, fries as expected. The BBQ sauce dark and thick, sweet tea was to die for. Staff were nice and friendly. This place is a must if you are in Prattville.
(5)
Kevin P.
Okay when I rolled up to this joint, I knew I was in for a treat. Any time you roll up to a bbq place and the building doesn't look like it would survive a heavy rain fall -- it's legit. The building looks like it's somebody's house/barn. You order up-front before you seat yourself. If I remember correctly, it is cheaper than your average bbq place. The food came out fast and the waitress was extremely welcoming. It seemed like it was a family business with everybody helping out. The bbq came out very flavorful and without sauce. They have sauce on the table if you want it, but you really don't need it because of the flavor. Overall the place was just a warm nice environment to enjoy some bama bbq.
(4)
Jason H.
I will preface this review with the fact that I LOVE BBQ! I am also very critical of almost every element, so I was very excited to eat some southern BBQ while I'm in town. As soon as you drive up you have high expectations of the food here. This place looks like it should be set back in the woods on your grandpa's farm. The next thing you notice is the great aroma of smoking meat. Their menu is simple but has a good variety of food. I couldn't decide on one thing, since I wanted to try it all, so I ordered the Fat Boy Plate, which included all of the meats and 3 sides. This was definitely a good decision. For my 3 sides I ordered coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad (the only 3 that really seemed worthy of eating/judging) -The coleslaw was very good. Sweet-ish with some sour from the pickles in it that really worked well together. Probably the best coleslaw I've ever had at a BBQ joint. -The potato salad was good. It was thick and creamy with some chunks of potatoes in it. You could taste the eggs in. Overall it was very good. -The baked beans were awesome. They were sweet, tangy, smoky, and meaty. The sauce was thick and they were delicious. -The pulled chicken was tender, moist, and had good flavor. It was good on its own but if you put some between the provided bread with some sauce and it's even better! -The smoked pork was tender and moist. I'm not huge on pork but it was unremarkable, neither bad, nor great. -The brisket was tender and moist. I did get an end piece that had lots of smoke flavor and some rub on it that was good. But it had a VERY mild smoke flavor throughout. -The rib was tender and moist and had good flavor. Came right off the bone and you could taste the smoke and rub just like the end piece of brisket, and it was good. -The sausage was the highlight of the plate. Tender juicy with great flavor. At first it tasted a little like a smoked breakfast sausage and then the heat slowly showed up with more smoke flavor. It was REALLY good, possibly one of the best smoked sausages I've eaten. -The BBQ sauce was just OK. It tasted like most commercial sauces you can buy. But it did liven up the flavor of the meat when used Overall the meal was not disappointing, but it wasn't something I would tell people to drive hours to go eat. All the meats were moist but not overly juicy. The smoke flavor was pretty weak unless you got the right bite, and the sauce was just average. I'm used to Texas style BBQ so I was excited for some southern BBQ and the sauce and was fairly disappointed with the sauce. The saving grace of this restaurant was their smoked sausage and the sides. I would go back for those, but would probably skip the rest.
(4)
Karen W.
This was my first visit to Fat Boy's and I ordered a pork sandwich along with fries and a drink. The food was very good but I wish they had more side options. I love the food and I'll definitely be coming back again.
(5)
Celtic R.
Fat' Boy's has been calling to me for some time now...I think it is their giant billboard of a hog that I see every day on my way to work. I figured any place named Fat Boy's can't be all that bad...then you add the Bar-B-Que to it and it just sounds like heaven. When I pulled into the parking lot of Fat Boy's a wonderful aroma of smoky goodness beckoned me. Fat Boy's is a nice small town barbecue joint. When you first come into Fat Boy's you place your order at the counter and a waitress brings it to your table. It's nothing fancy but, in my opinion it doesn't have to be because, the barbecue is so darn good. I had a hard time choosing what to order it all sounded so good! The meat is juicy and tender. The sauce has a subtle molasses flavor and the smoke to the meat is not overpowering. It was mouth watering! I ordered the barbecue pork sandwich with a side of coleslaw and my husband ordered the barbecued pork platter. I was not sure about the cole slaw it had a very unique flavor. I have no idea what they put in it. It's not bad, it's just different from what this Yankee girl is use to. The french fries were nice and crisp. Very good. I was really happy to find out not only do they have a nice to-go menu but, Fat Boy's caters! If you go to their website you can see their menu you can call ahead or even Fax them your order and pick it up on the way home from work some night. I think that is a great idea! If you go to Fat Boy's try to sit outside at one of their picnic table. Outdoors and barbecue go hand-in-hand. Next time I go to Fat Boy's I think I am going to order the rib platter it looked wonderful! When you go to Fat Boy's make sure that you come prepared for some great barbecue! fatboysbarbqueranch.com
(4)
Reese S.
Fat Boys is one of those places you need to go to if you are ever in Prattville. Their ranch-style restaurant creates a nice atmosphere, especially when you drive underneath the large archway to the parking lot. It is a real down home place; the staff is very friendly. And it is the typical BBQ style with its plasticware, basket trays, and red and white vinyl checkered table cloths. The portions are on the larger side compared to most places, which is great in my book, and the prices are on the lower. I ordered the pulled pork plate, and got baked beans and cole slaw as my two sides. The pork was well cooked and had nice flavor, but it seemed over cooked to the point of dryness. I had to douse mine several times in their homemade BBQ sauce to moisten it up. Their BBQ sauce was good, better than many I've had. It contains vinegar, but I'm not sure it is a vinegar base because it is a thick reddish brown, and is more sweet than tangy (probably due to the pineapple juice in it.). The baked beans (which I get at every BBQ restaurant to compare) were average. They weren't too sweet which I liked, but not too much went on as far as flavor. I had to revert to cole slaw as my other side because fries were the only other option, and, to me, fries are not a proper BBQ compliment. Also, I like cole slaw on my BBQ sandwich, so why not? It was good, and also not too sweet like many other places' slaw. It was creamy and tasted great when eaten with the pork. I tried a rib, which one of my accomplices ordered, and it was the best thing I had at the place. It was tender, juicy, and appeared to have a dry rub which provided great smokey flavor. Fat Boys offered a decent selection of desserts: fried apple pie, fried peach cobbler, banana pudding, and pound cake. I usually go with the typical banana pudding because it is an inherent fact that all BBQ restaurants have good banana pudding. How often have we heard "Their banana pudding is amazing" when entering a new BBQ joint. So, naturally I got the fried apple pie. It was a larger portion than I expected. It was also way different than I expected. I was thinking of an actual pie that had been deep fried, but instead it was a larger, almost turnover-style, slightly better than McDonald's apple pie, kind of dessert. When I pierced the flaky shell, it deflated to reveal a chasm yawning between the outer shell and apple goodness below. This I did not like. I would have preferred a much more filled pie. But it was good: it had a cinnamon-apple flavor and the flakiness of the shell added another dimension. The apple slivers lay quagmired in an apple jelly of sorts, which was good, but not the best way to do apple pie. I did try some of my accomplice's banana pudding, and it was rich and creamy with large banana slices and wafers, but tasted non-homemade. I am very sure it is homemade, but it did not strike me as a "wow" banana pudding. Overall, Fat Boys was a good experience. I enjoyed my meal, but it did not make me reevaluate BBQ as I know it. Thus, received three stars for providing me with good comfort food and well filling my belly. Their BBQ is different from what I am used in the Tuscaloosa area, but I liked that about them. I am glad it was not the same ol' same ol'. I was not, however, pleased with their offered sides. BBQ places should have a long list of sides because a lot of things go well with BBQ, namely mac and cheese. Would I go back? Yes, and I do recommend it.
(3)
Paul M.
A real good southern BBQ place. A little off the path but worth the effort. Friendly staff. I will be back. The pork plate is a great value.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
sharon b.
My FAVORITE BBQ Place in town! The food is excellent. My favorite is the salad with bbq chicken, yummy!! The service is great. Very comfortable, clean, sweet family atmosphere. Always happy to find and support Mom & Pop businesses.
(5)Ronnie M.
Going to Fat Boy's Bar-B-Que Ranch is a spiritual experience! For those who love BBQ that is so good you don't even have to have sauce....this is the place. (Even though they have a good sauce) For those who like on the bone chicken that is so tender that it falls off the bone....this is the place. For those who like tender ribs good enough to make your tongue wrap around your neck and choke you half to death.....this is the place. For those who like banana puddin made daily like your momma use to make(well even better, but don't tell her).....this is the place. For those who like camp stew and homemade potato salad second to none.....this is the place. They got more meat choices and sides that are just as good. Lest I keep going, I think you catch my drift........this is the place. It's had write ups in magazines and served at Alabama and Auburn Football games. There is no better. Smoked for hours and you smell it when you pull up!! Yum! Yum! Plus they have great service, plenty of room for bus groups and they get you in and out pretty doggone quick. It's not like one of those big BBQ chains that don't care what they serve you, but it is a family run business that is run by one of the finest families around. Danny and Gretchen and their staff will do whatever they can to make your experience the best it can possibly be. If you ain't satisfied, let them know. They will make it right. Plenty of seating and a wrap around porch for you to sit on and relax. I highly reccommend this place for traveling groups and individuals. Groups should call ahead so that they can have it ready for you when you get there. I had to move from the Prattville area several years ago and it broke my heart not to have it close by, but you can be assured that every time I pass by or when I bring a group through. We stop!! It's well worth our time. Get off the interstate and drive a few miles into downtown Prattville and you will be glad you did!!!
(5)Newton H.
Okay, where do I start.......DELICIOUS, is still short of how good it is! Not a knife in the place and nobody needs one! Fat Boy Special offers a taste of it all and it leaves you with a smile! Must have the potato salad for a side (as good as my grandma Hansel's). Don't forget to save room for the strawberry pudding! Checking my calendar for when I can head back!!
(5)Will O.
Perhaps it is simply a difference in styles from state-to-state (being from TX and SC), and perhaps it was an off day, but the meat was incredibly bland and very dry. Sausage was like a Jimmy Dean. The sauce was thick, sweet, and honey based. Got the sampler plate for $20 (plus tax). Big portion for the price, but the meat simply did not do it for me. Atmosphere was the best part of the experience. Service was not good. Have had MUCH better Q in Alabama. Would not go back.
(2)Bob C.
Really deep smoked with little need for sauce. Get there early or the ribs will be gone and the cobbler will be eaten up. I got the blackberry fried pie and it was awesome. I had no idea what a fried pie would be, but I'm a fan now.
(5)Chris S.
We stopped in on our way from Indiana to Florida. Great food and fast service. Everyone loved their meal - pulled pork sandwiches, pulled pork meal, and ribs. My wife loved the stew too. Gretchen was super nice and patient with us as we figured out what to order. Would definitely come here again.
(5)Arthur H.
Went here on recommendation of local family members. The women who great me was very pleasant full of southern hospitality. She very helpful going over menu and making recommendations. Went with favorite of pulled pork, but I opted to add the brisket as I like beef. The brisket is tender and falls apart and it's flavor is better than that of the pork. Both meats were good. The sauce though was lacking. It had a sweetness but there was a funny twang that I don't think came from vinegar?? I put this place between three and four stars.
(4)Marc B.
Pulled pork was tender and delicious. The baked beans had a hint of chilli or something spicy in it and just set them apart! Mixed with the great potato salad and it's heavenly! Wife got a tater and that could have fed a family of 5! The peach cobbler was some of the best I've ever tasted!!!
(5)Alexander B.
Our family was driving through Alabama on I-59 a few days ago and were looking for a place to eat on the way down to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. I found this, and told my family to go here. This place really feels like country and the pork was actually pretty good. But the brisket was phenomenal!! I love taking road trips for vacation, only because I get to see many things and go to places like this! So if anyone is driving through Alabama and looking for some tasty BBQ, I would totally recommend this place.
(4)Jeanette H.
The best bbq I've ever had: the meat was so flavorful, and it just fell off the bone. A slight smoky taste--this Californian felt like I was wine tasting, there were so many flavors to savor. The owner had to encourage me to try some of his special sauce--the meat was so wonderfully cooked and flavorful, I ate most of it without sauce. The baked beans were just as good as my grandmother's homemade baked beans. If I'm ever in Prattville again, I will be sure to come back! Next time, though, I'd skip the french fries, and try a different side. And since this Californian is far from a bbq expert, I'd place more faith in the review of the locals who came in after me, and said Fat Boy's was the best barbecue in town. The gentleman highly recommended the smoked chicken. I ended up going with the owner's two favorite meats--brisket and ribs, both of which were fabulous (they tried to talk me into the combo plate of all the different meats, but I just couldn't eat that much!). In the dining room, Fox News was playing (a little too loud), but the owner came out and visited with me, chatting about his family background in the trucking business, and all the places we've both visited. He recently attended the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for the first time, and since I work in theater, we chatted quite a bit about that. He raved about the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and said he went because so many of the actors came in to eat while working on the show. ASF, I assured him, has a national reputation as a top-notch company. A fantastic dinner, great company, and a wonderful slice of Southern hospitality.
(5)Brad S.
I walked up to the counter, ordered a pork sandwich, a side of fries, and a drink, and without batting an eye, the owner looks at me and tells me it's $9.57. Clearly he's been doing this for a while, and it probably explains why Fat Boy's is the best barbecue I've had in the Montgomery area. Barbecue is not rocket science, though with as many dry pieces of meat I've had to smother in sauce, you'd be excused for thinking it was. In the case of Fat Boy's and the other better barbecue place in town, Varsity, it comes down to a matter of fat and its inclusion in the overall dish. My sandwich had a very good amount of fat throughout, and as such it was the perfect collection of chopped pork. It needed no sauce, nor did it exist in this earthly realm long enough for me to reach for the squeeze bottle. The sauce is another interesting component. It's dark and sweet, though not in a way that ascribes to a particular region of barbecue. The ingredients listed on the bottle included sauce (duh), pineapple juice, and other sugars; as you might expect, it was sweet to the point of nearly giving me a stomachache as I liberally applied it to each of my fries. Still, it comes back to the fundamentals that solidify Fat Boy's as one of the area's best: hickory smoke and plenty of fat to keep things lubricated. For as much as the owners want to believe the Lord told them to make this barbecue cabin a little bit off the path of downtown Prattville, it's more simply their ability to properly work a smoker that makes their meats heavenly.
(5)Danny M.
Great BBQ for our annual college gameday roadtrip on our way to Tuscaloosa. Probably the best potato salad with a hint of cinnamon and very good slaw. Pulled pork plate was good and the food came out to our table in 5 minutes. And it doesn't hurt that Mr. Danny is a great guy
(4)LeKeyshia P.
It was good but my pulled pork plate was cold, and there wasn't any real flavor to the pork until I added their "bbq" sauce which was okay. The baked beans had good flavor, I just wish I had more beans and less sauce (seriously I had like a small scoop of beans compared to my husband and we ordered the same thing.) The fries were soggy not crisp, and the potato salad was real pickly. Over all its okay, not the best I've eaten but not the worst either, also it was a bit pricy for the portion sizes. You can get more bbq and sides that taste better and arrives to the table hot from other places.
(3)Nina U.
The Fat Boy BBQ Ranch really is like a ranch. They just need some cows and horses and dogs outside. There's a dirt parking lot in front of the building that is next to the "crick." The benches on the front porch are perfect for sipping iced tea and going to town on good BBQ. It all smells good. Head on inside to order at the counter before you get your drinks (all you can drink cups so don't order the gallon unless you're taking it to go). There's tables inside too but the air conditioning was cold. I would rather sit outside but I'm sure that's nice when it starts getting hotter. Ribs and pulled chicken were great. Some ribs fell off the bone and some didn't - must have been two different batches. Beans are the best I've ever had and I bought a bottle of BBQ sauce to take home. Coleslaw was different with cut up dill pickles in it, I liked it but it seemed a little more runny than I like it...pretty much the norm for this area though. Totally forgot to try the hush puppies. And if you order the peach cobbler (made with canned peaches) it's kinda small so don't expect to share. Ask them to throw it in the oven for a few more minutes (or 30) cause the crust was underdone.
(5)James S.
Still my favorite bbq joint.. I keep trying others and none of its like my Fat Brother! There brisket had me tryin to smuggle it back on the plane.. No those arent drugs, they are rib tips.. If ever in Prattvile u know what to do!
(5)Holli D.
3 of us went for lunch. We each ordered unsweet tea and just a BBQ sandwich each, no sides. That was a good choice, because the amount of meat they put on their sandwiches is INSANE!!! The meat was tasty & moist!!! Service was attentive and the place has a small town country feel.
(5)Laura M.
Just great BBQ. The sausage and pulled pork were awesome, and I really enjoyed their homemade BBQ sauce. The potato salad and baked beans were exceptional. Walk in, grab a menu and place your order. Grab your sweet tea and either sit down at a table inside or you can grab a seat outside and watch the creek go by on a great day. Check out the website for exact menu pricing/hours, etc. I'll be back!
(5)josh w.
Now this is what I am talking about! The one thing I was looking forward to on my trip into Alabama was some real southern BBQ and this place did not disappoint. The place was a shack...but then all the best BBQ places are. It was order at the front and serve your self. No fancy fixins' here. The brisket was eqisite. Slaw, fries as expected. The BBQ sauce dark and thick, sweet tea was to die for. Staff were nice and friendly. This place is a must if you are in Prattville.
(5)Kevin P.
Okay when I rolled up to this joint, I knew I was in for a treat. Any time you roll up to a bbq place and the building doesn't look like it would survive a heavy rain fall -- it's legit. The building looks like it's somebody's house/barn. You order up-front before you seat yourself. If I remember correctly, it is cheaper than your average bbq place. The food came out fast and the waitress was extremely welcoming. It seemed like it was a family business with everybody helping out. The bbq came out very flavorful and without sauce. They have sauce on the table if you want it, but you really don't need it because of the flavor. Overall the place was just a warm nice environment to enjoy some bama bbq.
(4)Jason H.
I will preface this review with the fact that I LOVE BBQ! I am also very critical of almost every element, so I was very excited to eat some southern BBQ while I'm in town. As soon as you drive up you have high expectations of the food here. This place looks like it should be set back in the woods on your grandpa's farm. The next thing you notice is the great aroma of smoking meat. Their menu is simple but has a good variety of food. I couldn't decide on one thing, since I wanted to try it all, so I ordered the Fat Boy Plate, which included all of the meats and 3 sides. This was definitely a good decision. For my 3 sides I ordered coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad (the only 3 that really seemed worthy of eating/judging) -The coleslaw was very good. Sweet-ish with some sour from the pickles in it that really worked well together. Probably the best coleslaw I've ever had at a BBQ joint. -The potato salad was good. It was thick and creamy with some chunks of potatoes in it. You could taste the eggs in. Overall it was very good. -The baked beans were awesome. They were sweet, tangy, smoky, and meaty. The sauce was thick and they were delicious. -The pulled chicken was tender, moist, and had good flavor. It was good on its own but if you put some between the provided bread with some sauce and it's even better! -The smoked pork was tender and moist. I'm not huge on pork but it was unremarkable, neither bad, nor great. -The brisket was tender and moist. I did get an end piece that had lots of smoke flavor and some rub on it that was good. But it had a VERY mild smoke flavor throughout. -The rib was tender and moist and had good flavor. Came right off the bone and you could taste the smoke and rub just like the end piece of brisket, and it was good. -The sausage was the highlight of the plate. Tender juicy with great flavor. At first it tasted a little like a smoked breakfast sausage and then the heat slowly showed up with more smoke flavor. It was REALLY good, possibly one of the best smoked sausages I've eaten. -The BBQ sauce was just OK. It tasted like most commercial sauces you can buy. But it did liven up the flavor of the meat when used Overall the meal was not disappointing, but it wasn't something I would tell people to drive hours to go eat. All the meats were moist but not overly juicy. The smoke flavor was pretty weak unless you got the right bite, and the sauce was just average. I'm used to Texas style BBQ so I was excited for some southern BBQ and the sauce and was fairly disappointed with the sauce. The saving grace of this restaurant was their smoked sausage and the sides. I would go back for those, but would probably skip the rest.
(4)Karen W.
This was my first visit to Fat Boy's and I ordered a pork sandwich along with fries and a drink. The food was very good but I wish they had more side options. I love the food and I'll definitely be coming back again.
(5)Celtic R.
Fat' Boy's has been calling to me for some time now...I think it is their giant billboard of a hog that I see every day on my way to work. I figured any place named Fat Boy's can't be all that bad...then you add the Bar-B-Que to it and it just sounds like heaven. When I pulled into the parking lot of Fat Boy's a wonderful aroma of smoky goodness beckoned me. Fat Boy's is a nice small town barbecue joint. When you first come into Fat Boy's you place your order at the counter and a waitress brings it to your table. It's nothing fancy but, in my opinion it doesn't have to be because, the barbecue is so darn good. I had a hard time choosing what to order it all sounded so good! The meat is juicy and tender. The sauce has a subtle molasses flavor and the smoke to the meat is not overpowering. It was mouth watering! I ordered the barbecue pork sandwich with a side of coleslaw and my husband ordered the barbecued pork platter. I was not sure about the cole slaw it had a very unique flavor. I have no idea what they put in it. It's not bad, it's just different from what this Yankee girl is use to. The french fries were nice and crisp. Very good. I was really happy to find out not only do they have a nice to-go menu but, Fat Boy's caters! If you go to their website you can see their menu you can call ahead or even Fax them your order and pick it up on the way home from work some night. I think that is a great idea! If you go to Fat Boy's try to sit outside at one of their picnic table. Outdoors and barbecue go hand-in-hand. Next time I go to Fat Boy's I think I am going to order the rib platter it looked wonderful! When you go to Fat Boy's make sure that you come prepared for some great barbecue! fatboysbarbqueranch.com
(4)Reese S.
Fat Boys is one of those places you need to go to if you are ever in Prattville. Their ranch-style restaurant creates a nice atmosphere, especially when you drive underneath the large archway to the parking lot. It is a real down home place; the staff is very friendly. And it is the typical BBQ style with its plasticware, basket trays, and red and white vinyl checkered table cloths. The portions are on the larger side compared to most places, which is great in my book, and the prices are on the lower. I ordered the pulled pork plate, and got baked beans and cole slaw as my two sides. The pork was well cooked and had nice flavor, but it seemed over cooked to the point of dryness. I had to douse mine several times in their homemade BBQ sauce to moisten it up. Their BBQ sauce was good, better than many I've had. It contains vinegar, but I'm not sure it is a vinegar base because it is a thick reddish brown, and is more sweet than tangy (probably due to the pineapple juice in it.). The baked beans (which I get at every BBQ restaurant to compare) were average. They weren't too sweet which I liked, but not too much went on as far as flavor. I had to revert to cole slaw as my other side because fries were the only other option, and, to me, fries are not a proper BBQ compliment. Also, I like cole slaw on my BBQ sandwich, so why not? It was good, and also not too sweet like many other places' slaw. It was creamy and tasted great when eaten with the pork. I tried a rib, which one of my accomplices ordered, and it was the best thing I had at the place. It was tender, juicy, and appeared to have a dry rub which provided great smokey flavor. Fat Boys offered a decent selection of desserts: fried apple pie, fried peach cobbler, banana pudding, and pound cake. I usually go with the typical banana pudding because it is an inherent fact that all BBQ restaurants have good banana pudding. How often have we heard "Their banana pudding is amazing" when entering a new BBQ joint. So, naturally I got the fried apple pie. It was a larger portion than I expected. It was also way different than I expected. I was thinking of an actual pie that had been deep fried, but instead it was a larger, almost turnover-style, slightly better than McDonald's apple pie, kind of dessert. When I pierced the flaky shell, it deflated to reveal a chasm yawning between the outer shell and apple goodness below. This I did not like. I would have preferred a much more filled pie. But it was good: it had a cinnamon-apple flavor and the flakiness of the shell added another dimension. The apple slivers lay quagmired in an apple jelly of sorts, which was good, but not the best way to do apple pie. I did try some of my accomplice's banana pudding, and it was rich and creamy with large banana slices and wafers, but tasted non-homemade. I am very sure it is homemade, but it did not strike me as a "wow" banana pudding. Overall, Fat Boys was a good experience. I enjoyed my meal, but it did not make me reevaluate BBQ as I know it. Thus, received three stars for providing me with good comfort food and well filling my belly. Their BBQ is different from what I am used in the Tuscaloosa area, but I liked that about them. I am glad it was not the same ol' same ol'. I was not, however, pleased with their offered sides. BBQ places should have a long list of sides because a lot of things go well with BBQ, namely mac and cheese. Would I go back? Yes, and I do recommend it.
(3)Paul M.
A real good southern BBQ place. A little off the path but worth the effort. Friendly staff. I will be back. The pork plate is a great value.
(5)