If you needed more reasons to eat at FATZ™ besides great family dining and consistent flavor, here's another one: the new limited-time Change Your Chicken Fall Menu. From September 4th to October 28th this year, the great thinkers behind the restaurant's offerings have spiced things up just in time for the chillier season(....) Read the rest of the review here: examiner.com/review/chan…
(4)
Floyd I.
The food, service and atmosphere are great at Fatz! I love the Hand Breaded Fatz Famous Fish! It is a nice place to have a good meal and watch a game on TV.
(5)
Harold L.
I just moved here a few weeks ago and having fun trying new places. I decided to try Fatz and it turned out to be the worst place I've been to in a long time. The food was so-so (a chicken salad) but the service was the worst I've had in ages! I sat at the bar (I was the only one at the bar until another guy came in five minutes later). The bargirl was at a nearby table talking to two older gentlemen for about 15-20 minutes...just feet from me and the other guy. She saw us both there...menus were put down and she continued to talk to these guys, totally ignoring us. After 20 minutes the bar starting filling up with people and she needed help to take care of everyone waiting for service. No apologies...nothing.. On the receipt was their website with a place to leave a review...which I did and also gave my email address so they could get more details or contact me if they wanted. So far...no acknowledgement, no apologies. I normally don't leave reviews unless the food and service were fantastic...or terrible. Sorry Fatz....
(1)
Suzanne K.
Great food ... Awesome service! We were in town for a military graduation and wanted to eat somewhere we don't have in our hometown... This was a great choice. Had a party of 8 and all of us would definitely return to Fatz! Waitress was so nice, gave us a free sample of the chicken (which was a very generous portion) ribs were delicious, rolls and peach cobbler were amazing! This place is great.
(5)
Peter A.
The food was excellent! Came here for a birthday and they had great service, amazing variety, and the good tasted awesome. The rolls they bring out to start are addictive and leave you struggling to finish the good portions of food they give you.
(5)
Yvette T.
Great food, quick service. Great place to stop off I77. Poppy rolls are warm and fresh as is the sweet tea. Highly recommend. Manager even stopped by each table twice to see if everything was good.
(4)
Regina W.
Outstanding staff and food! Best waitress I have had in awhile . Stop and give them a try. You will not be disappointed
(5)
Steve B.
This place is "just ok" the chicken tenders are good the burger was clearly frozen and not thawed before grilling. The asparagus was cook to the point of baby food softness the ribez are nasty don't bother they are ball of wet nasty mess. I'd say the rolls are the best thing about the meal. I give two stars cuz I reserve 1 stars for bad service and other such criteria but I did not enjoy the food..
(2)
Danita R.
Sure Fatz may technically qualify as a chain, but it's a chain that's very near to the place I call home, and I just don't think I could still call myself a good sandlapper (even though I'm still iffy about what all that entails) if I didn't partake during a South Carolina sweep. Meeting my college roomie here for lunch made it all the sweeter. It feels good when you return to old stomping grounds with people who still accept your crazy, zany self and you can break open piping hot poppyseed rolls and sip sweet tea like you never left. As always, the service is downhome sweet and sincere where exchanging ma'ams doesn't carry any negative, who-you-callin'-old?! connotations. I like my tea topped off with a side of "anything else ma'am?" or "you're welcome, hun." I return home to feel at home and places like Fatz always ensure that. They've recently unveiled a new lunch menu and since I'm in the south I got somethin' else with pimento cheese on it because why go to Rome and act like you don't want to be Roman? The, and I quote, "Jammin' Pimento Cheeseburger" lived up to its name with quite the flavorful pimento mix on top. They've mixed theirs with some bacon jam and something else and it was pretty tasty. The burger was juicy and although things got a little messy they were certainly delicious alongside my steak fries. It was tough not to get the Calabash chicken this time, but I'll save it for my next visit. Sweet service and tasty bites, and always addictively sweet, slizzurpingly good sweet tea.
(4)
Laurie B.
Love the calabash chicken. Just wish they had marinara dipping sauce. Can't afford to eat out much but when I do I like to eat here. Service can be hit or miss depending on the server. Parking is good.
(4)
T J.
The little rolls are good with the cinnamon butter. They were hot. The food looked great I'm sure it will taste great. They also give military discount. I ordered the peach cobbler based on recommendation. It all looks great, and was out I'm a timely manner. I walked in and ordered to go start to finish maybe took 20-30 It may have been ready if I had called ahead. Again I think this is great timing for walk in order. I had shrimp on skewer with peach cobbler
(4)
Ria H.
They have the best shrimp and grits!! The peach cobbler was very good but it had too many nuts in it. I have to see if they have it without nuts. The bread with honey cinnamon butter is really good too! And finally they provided awesome customer service!! Next time I come to South Carolina, I have to come here again.
(5)
Bobby H.
The turkey dinner was salty, but meal was good. We also had the pot pie. It was just okay, it was a little too salty. Also the pot pie was over priced. There was only a couple of pieces of chicken and just a handful of veggies. This was not a good experience.
(4)
Sherry C.
We had a dinner meeting here last night. Well..,. We tried to have a meeting. I think the hostess went out her way to put us next to screaming babies. My ears were ringing! I will say our waiter was great and very attentive. He tried as hard as he could ..... I would give him 5 stars if I could. I had the turkey dinner, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The turkey was pretty tender. The mashed potatoes didn't knock my socks off. (I was disappointed because I love my taters!!!). And my green beans were over salted. I didn't finish all the food on my plate. It was a good bit of food. . They brought out those signature rolls everyone raves about. Sorry, but I wasn't impressed with them. All the food just feels so fattening. Even the turkey dinner. This is a place I won't frequent often. I think I'd gain 1,000,000 pounds if I ate here often. I'll come back as little as possible. .... Just a little too fattening feeling for me. Maybe if the food were worth the fattening feeling , it might not be as bad. Also very noisy.
(3)
Joyceann G.
I see by recent reviews that things aren't what they used to be and from personal experience that is the truth! Dirty carpet that should have been changed out 20 years ago! They use micro mini shrimp that appears to have been boiled in their shrimp and grits! YUK! It would have been nice to have been warned that the sauce or gravy was super spicy! I had to give that plate back. But the grits themselves were excellent. Overall the place needs a good makeover and the servers need a lesson on how to dress and where their hair! IT just felt old and dingy...sorry about that, we pay the bill without question why should we have to settle for this?
(2)
Gus P.
Being in Columbia for only a year, I haven't explored many burger joints. Received some lunch coupons for Fatz Cafe so, naturally, I left the coupons at home and went there after work. Ate solo at the uncrowded bar at 7:00PM and thoroughly enjoyed the Black Jack Bacon Burger. Ordered it medium, and it was thoroughly cooked and just barely pink in the middle. The sauce and bacon were delicious. It was very tasty and just the right "messy". Great friendly, prompt service from Rochelle on the wait staff. Next visit? Ribs!
(5)
Chad G.
Great dinner stop with the family after a long day of travel. Excellent food! Nice staff. Try the chicken pot pie and the loaded potato soup. Fantastic!!
(5)
Kevin F.
I would give it 3.5 stars. It's pretty good. Not fantastic. I would go again. I had the chicken strips.
(3)
Tom S.
On the same evening I went to Hooter's for $11.99 endless wings and waited 15 for no service after seating before I left; I went to FATZ Cafe, with double the stars, was greeted, seated, and brought my water and beer by my waitress Erica - in under 5 min. For $13.99 I am now eating endless ribs, the first of five flavored recommended by my server. I had food and drink in my belly within another 15 min. This is service. Sorry Orange hot pants, I think you may have lost me for another 5 years. Ps the Bourbon Street is good!
(5)
Candace K.
If you like Applebee's then you may like this place; nothing too fancy, there wasn't a wait, the sweet tea was good and the food was average.
(3)
Grumpy B.
We're traveling and stopped in for take out to eat while driving. We've eaten at this chain before and both really enjoy the fish sandwich (hubbies choice: blackened, mine: battered & fried). So hubbie ordered the fish sandwich with broccoli & green beans and really enjoyed it, as usual. I was feeling picky and went with 2 sides: veggie skewers (yum!) and cheese fries. I was really disappointed with the fries. There is no real description on the sides portion of the menu. I wish I'd looked at the full description under appetizers! They put nacho cheese on the fries and then top with melted shredded cheese, bacon, & chives. The nacho cheese just makes the fries soggy and stopped me from enjoying the dish. Don't let this dissuade you from going, they have so many good dishes! And the little sour dough rolls dipped in honey butter make a really nice little dessert.
(3)
Melodie D.
Nice place to go with the family. Good food and good service. Very welcome environment. It was a bit less casual than expected but that was a nice surprise! Clean, reasonably priced, and big portions. My son's grilled cheese came out a bit dark, but they whisked it back to the kitchen and had a new one within 5 minutes. Very well handled!
(4)
Amy C.
Great food great service. Good Place to go for families. We went there after my sister's military graduation. Very helpful and friendly staff and management.
(5)
Karen S.
I have always enjoyed going to Fatz. I think this is the first time I have gone to Fatz and not ordered a steak or Calabash Chicken. What I like about this location (vs. the Lexington Location) is there a private room for bigger parties. We only had seven people tonight, but for what we needed, this room was perfect. Our waitress also very friendly and attentive to our party.
(5)
Marty M.
Great service.great prices.and the rolls mmmmmm make sure you have some when you go!the best rolls i have ever had
(5)
M T.
OMG! I have driven by this place on I-95 for years, now I am kicking myself for missing out all of those trips! The food was delicious. Our server was great, actually everyone there was great. Dinner and Supper only as far as I know. Pancake Breakfasts are for fund raisers on Saturday only from what I read but not sure if all of the time. Do not miss this place if you pass by it; the one we stopped at was in Florence, SC. Anyway enjoy!
(5)
Chad E.
On the menu we're told that this chain was started by a big guy with a big dream. The food is fairly standard for a chain these days, but there are some nice surprises. The shrimp cakes are patterned after crab cakes, but served with a nice sauce, over cheese grits, and the portion is pretty good-sized (as you would expect from the name), so even as an appetizer they make for a good entree. The kids meals are large enough that even older kids will eat them and be full, and most adult portions are large enough that you'll take some home. A pleasant surprise, and your wallet will come out okay too. Not bad for a chain restaurant, albeit one of the smaller ones.
(3)
Tepintzin H.
Beer and wine selection still stinks, but wow, you should have seen my mom chow down on the fried bread they serve before the meal. Hint: Unless you're Infantry, the small Calabash Chicken plate is plenty. I still had some left for lunch.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Crystal C.
If you needed more reasons to eat at FATZ™ besides great family dining and consistent flavor, here's another one: the new limited-time Change Your Chicken Fall Menu. From September 4th to October 28th this year, the great thinkers behind the restaurant's offerings have spiced things up just in time for the chillier season(....) Read the rest of the review here: examiner.com/review/chan…
(4)Floyd I.
The food, service and atmosphere are great at Fatz! I love the Hand Breaded Fatz Famous Fish! It is a nice place to have a good meal and watch a game on TV.
(5)Harold L.
I just moved here a few weeks ago and having fun trying new places. I decided to try Fatz and it turned out to be the worst place I've been to in a long time. The food was so-so (a chicken salad) but the service was the worst I've had in ages! I sat at the bar (I was the only one at the bar until another guy came in five minutes later). The bargirl was at a nearby table talking to two older gentlemen for about 15-20 minutes...just feet from me and the other guy. She saw us both there...menus were put down and she continued to talk to these guys, totally ignoring us. After 20 minutes the bar starting filling up with people and she needed help to take care of everyone waiting for service. No apologies...nothing.. On the receipt was their website with a place to leave a review...which I did and also gave my email address so they could get more details or contact me if they wanted. So far...no acknowledgement, no apologies. I normally don't leave reviews unless the food and service were fantastic...or terrible. Sorry Fatz....
(1)Suzanne K.
Great food ... Awesome service! We were in town for a military graduation and wanted to eat somewhere we don't have in our hometown... This was a great choice. Had a party of 8 and all of us would definitely return to Fatz! Waitress was so nice, gave us a free sample of the chicken (which was a very generous portion) ribs were delicious, rolls and peach cobbler were amazing! This place is great.
(5)Peter A.
The food was excellent! Came here for a birthday and they had great service, amazing variety, and the good tasted awesome. The rolls they bring out to start are addictive and leave you struggling to finish the good portions of food they give you.
(5)Yvette T.
Great food, quick service. Great place to stop off I77. Poppy rolls are warm and fresh as is the sweet tea. Highly recommend. Manager even stopped by each table twice to see if everything was good.
(4)Regina W.
Outstanding staff and food! Best waitress I have had in awhile . Stop and give them a try. You will not be disappointed
(5)Steve B.
This place is "just ok" the chicken tenders are good the burger was clearly frozen and not thawed before grilling. The asparagus was cook to the point of baby food softness the ribez are nasty don't bother they are ball of wet nasty mess. I'd say the rolls are the best thing about the meal. I give two stars cuz I reserve 1 stars for bad service and other such criteria but I did not enjoy the food..
(2)Danita R.
Sure Fatz may technically qualify as a chain, but it's a chain that's very near to the place I call home, and I just don't think I could still call myself a good sandlapper (even though I'm still iffy about what all that entails) if I didn't partake during a South Carolina sweep. Meeting my college roomie here for lunch made it all the sweeter. It feels good when you return to old stomping grounds with people who still accept your crazy, zany self and you can break open piping hot poppyseed rolls and sip sweet tea like you never left. As always, the service is downhome sweet and sincere where exchanging ma'ams doesn't carry any negative, who-you-callin'-old?! connotations. I like my tea topped off with a side of "anything else ma'am?" or "you're welcome, hun." I return home to feel at home and places like Fatz always ensure that. They've recently unveiled a new lunch menu and since I'm in the south I got somethin' else with pimento cheese on it because why go to Rome and act like you don't want to be Roman? The, and I quote, "Jammin' Pimento Cheeseburger" lived up to its name with quite the flavorful pimento mix on top. They've mixed theirs with some bacon jam and something else and it was pretty tasty. The burger was juicy and although things got a little messy they were certainly delicious alongside my steak fries. It was tough not to get the Calabash chicken this time, but I'll save it for my next visit. Sweet service and tasty bites, and always addictively sweet, slizzurpingly good sweet tea.
(4)Laurie B.
Love the calabash chicken. Just wish they had marinara dipping sauce. Can't afford to eat out much but when I do I like to eat here. Service can be hit or miss depending on the server. Parking is good.
(4)T J.
The little rolls are good with the cinnamon butter. They were hot. The food looked great I'm sure it will taste great. They also give military discount. I ordered the peach cobbler based on recommendation. It all looks great, and was out I'm a timely manner. I walked in and ordered to go start to finish maybe took 20-30 It may have been ready if I had called ahead. Again I think this is great timing for walk in order. I had shrimp on skewer with peach cobbler
(4)Ria H.
They have the best shrimp and grits!! The peach cobbler was very good but it had too many nuts in it. I have to see if they have it without nuts. The bread with honey cinnamon butter is really good too! And finally they provided awesome customer service!! Next time I come to South Carolina, I have to come here again.
(5)Bobby H.
The turkey dinner was salty, but meal was good. We also had the pot pie. It was just okay, it was a little too salty. Also the pot pie was over priced. There was only a couple of pieces of chicken and just a handful of veggies. This was not a good experience.
(4)Sherry C.
We had a dinner meeting here last night. Well..,. We tried to have a meeting. I think the hostess went out her way to put us next to screaming babies. My ears were ringing! I will say our waiter was great and very attentive. He tried as hard as he could ..... I would give him 5 stars if I could. I had the turkey dinner, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The turkey was pretty tender. The mashed potatoes didn't knock my socks off. (I was disappointed because I love my taters!!!). And my green beans were over salted. I didn't finish all the food on my plate. It was a good bit of food. . They brought out those signature rolls everyone raves about. Sorry, but I wasn't impressed with them. All the food just feels so fattening. Even the turkey dinner. This is a place I won't frequent often. I think I'd gain 1,000,000 pounds if I ate here often. I'll come back as little as possible. .... Just a little too fattening feeling for me. Maybe if the food were worth the fattening feeling , it might not be as bad. Also very noisy.
(3)Joyceann G.
I see by recent reviews that things aren't what they used to be and from personal experience that is the truth! Dirty carpet that should have been changed out 20 years ago! They use micro mini shrimp that appears to have been boiled in their shrimp and grits! YUK! It would have been nice to have been warned that the sauce or gravy was super spicy! I had to give that plate back. But the grits themselves were excellent. Overall the place needs a good makeover and the servers need a lesson on how to dress and where their hair! IT just felt old and dingy...sorry about that, we pay the bill without question why should we have to settle for this?
(2)Gus P.
Being in Columbia for only a year, I haven't explored many burger joints. Received some lunch coupons for Fatz Cafe so, naturally, I left the coupons at home and went there after work. Ate solo at the uncrowded bar at 7:00PM and thoroughly enjoyed the Black Jack Bacon Burger. Ordered it medium, and it was thoroughly cooked and just barely pink in the middle. The sauce and bacon were delicious. It was very tasty and just the right "messy". Great friendly, prompt service from Rochelle on the wait staff. Next visit? Ribs!
(5)Chad G.
Great dinner stop with the family after a long day of travel. Excellent food! Nice staff. Try the chicken pot pie and the loaded potato soup. Fantastic!!
(5)Kevin F.
I would give it 3.5 stars. It's pretty good. Not fantastic. I would go again. I had the chicken strips.
(3)Tom S.
On the same evening I went to Hooter's for $11.99 endless wings and waited 15 for no service after seating before I left; I went to FATZ Cafe, with double the stars, was greeted, seated, and brought my water and beer by my waitress Erica - in under 5 min. For $13.99 I am now eating endless ribs, the first of five flavored recommended by my server. I had food and drink in my belly within another 15 min. This is service. Sorry Orange hot pants, I think you may have lost me for another 5 years. Ps the Bourbon Street is good!
(5)Candace K.
If you like Applebee's then you may like this place; nothing too fancy, there wasn't a wait, the sweet tea was good and the food was average.
(3)Grumpy B.
We're traveling and stopped in for take out to eat while driving. We've eaten at this chain before and both really enjoy the fish sandwich (hubbies choice: blackened, mine: battered & fried). So hubbie ordered the fish sandwich with broccoli & green beans and really enjoyed it, as usual. I was feeling picky and went with 2 sides: veggie skewers (yum!) and cheese fries. I was really disappointed with the fries. There is no real description on the sides portion of the menu. I wish I'd looked at the full description under appetizers! They put nacho cheese on the fries and then top with melted shredded cheese, bacon, & chives. The nacho cheese just makes the fries soggy and stopped me from enjoying the dish. Don't let this dissuade you from going, they have so many good dishes! And the little sour dough rolls dipped in honey butter make a really nice little dessert.
(3)Melodie D.
Nice place to go with the family. Good food and good service. Very welcome environment. It was a bit less casual than expected but that was a nice surprise! Clean, reasonably priced, and big portions. My son's grilled cheese came out a bit dark, but they whisked it back to the kitchen and had a new one within 5 minutes. Very well handled!
(4)Amy C.
Great food great service. Good Place to go for families. We went there after my sister's military graduation. Very helpful and friendly staff and management.
(5)Karen S.
I have always enjoyed going to Fatz. I think this is the first time I have gone to Fatz and not ordered a steak or Calabash Chicken. What I like about this location (vs. the Lexington Location) is there a private room for bigger parties. We only had seven people tonight, but for what we needed, this room was perfect. Our waitress also very friendly and attentive to our party.
(5)Marty M.
Great service.great prices.and the rolls mmmmmm make sure you have some when you go!the best rolls i have ever had
(5)M T.
OMG! I have driven by this place on I-95 for years, now I am kicking myself for missing out all of those trips! The food was delicious. Our server was great, actually everyone there was great. Dinner and Supper only as far as I know. Pancake Breakfasts are for fund raisers on Saturday only from what I read but not sure if all of the time. Do not miss this place if you pass by it; the one we stopped at was in Florence, SC. Anyway enjoy!
(5)Chad E.
On the menu we're told that this chain was started by a big guy with a big dream. The food is fairly standard for a chain these days, but there are some nice surprises. The shrimp cakes are patterned after crab cakes, but served with a nice sauce, over cheese grits, and the portion is pretty good-sized (as you would expect from the name), so even as an appetizer they make for a good entree. The kids meals are large enough that even older kids will eat them and be full, and most adult portions are large enough that you'll take some home. A pleasant surprise, and your wallet will come out okay too. Not bad for a chain restaurant, albeit one of the smaller ones.
(3)Tepintzin H.
Beer and wine selection still stinks, but wow, you should have seen my mom chow down on the fried bread they serve before the meal. Hint: Unless you're Infantry, the small Calabash Chicken plate is plenty. I still had some left for lunch.
(4)