We've been coming here for three decades! The ribs are honestly the best in town. And that smokey goodness just lingers on your fingers! I love the Saturday night special: a full slab of ribs + 2 sides with garlic bread. There's something about their fries that goes perfectly with the BBQ. If you can, stop by when they have the carrot and cashew soup. You will not be disappointed!
You order first and then wait for your food at your table. Everything was good.
I hadn't been to Fat Jack's in years since moving out of the area, but I finally got to go back in August and it was just as great as it always was. We went on Friday so my mom and I got the Friday Night Fish Fry. The fish was delicious and the breading on the fish wasn't too heavy. The coleslaw is an apple cider based slaw (not mayo) which was unexpected, but it tasted great. My wife got the BBQ Cajun Shrimp with red beans and rice. I had my fingers crossed because my wife is from Louisiana, but luckily she found a delicious slice of home at Fat Jack's. Will need to come back sometime to try the BBQ items.
I recently went here for my anniversary. The place was well lit and and busy. The staff was friendly, fast, and eager to answer questions about the menu. My bf and I tried a couple of different dishes and shared them with each other. Each of the dishes came with fresh and vibrant salads, though we could have opted to choose the salad bar. The ribs were well smoked, tender, moist, and meaty with generous portions. The decor was interesting and not standard for restaurants. The historical memorabilia seems to indicate that the person who started the restaurant was with a fire department. Maybe that's where the smoke control came from! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that I didn't enjoy the sauces. In hindsight, I wish I'd sampled the different sauces before choosing the one I wanted on my meal. Sauces are so important with ribs.
Food was great. Curb side pickup. Once the bag was in my car the wafting of smokehouse aroma filled the area. I closed my windows to keep it inside!. Huge rack of ribs and 1/2 chicken, beans, mac and cheese, rice and beans. Lasted us 3 meals.
The first impression is the great smoky smells as you enter. You order at the counter (or to go) and the staff is friendly and helpful! Has an old school northwoods Wisconsin supper club ambiance. Typical offerings for BBQ, plus a kids menu, specials, soups, and wings. Full bar and bottle beers. Buffalo wings were good! Had the combo platter. Recommend the dry rub ribs and the pork!
Atmosphere was pretty nice, service was excellent. The food was pretty good, but I've had better. I would have no problem going back.
Was pretty upset after we ran out of work provided soft tacos and was left with soggy hard shells. Seriously? Hard shell, get real. So I typed in BBQ places because my belly demanded meat, and quickly. I was so hungry I was skeptical. I wasn't a believer. BUT damnnnnn. That garlic bread was next level and I don't even like bread. Everything tasted amazing. Smoker on duty for sure! But that mac and cheese. Definitely not a regret. Those tacos probably sucked anyways
I've been coming to Fat Jacks for 21 years (since I was 4 years old). The food is consistently delicious and I will always keep coming back for more. The ribs are to die for, perfectly smoky and moist and fall right off of the bone. The garlic bread - absolute perfection (I personally add some barbeque sauce to mine). The atmosphere is welcoming and warm, a perfect representation of Wisconsin at its best.
Fat Jack's has been a wonderful experience every time I've gone there since the early 00s. The food is great!!!
This is a rib house. Good service, plenty to eat, tastes good.
BEST BBQ in Madison and arguably anywhere I’ve ever had ribs!
The spare ribs are amazingly delicious and consistent. I highly recommend checking out this restaurant it will dazzle your taste buds like no other.
The Full - slab is SO GOOD they did not make it out of the parking lot.
Great food, but I don't like plastic bowls and silverware. I refused to eat at another restaurant for use of styrofoam and then ended up here. Why do the people of Madison allow their restaurants to be so unsustainable? My next trip to Madison...that will be my first question... only got plastic? I'll eat elsewhere.
Pretty good fish fry and smoked beef platter...only issue is that the sides were very salty. Not sure if added or if their supplier starts it out that way. Cajun cheese curds were very good and home made Cajun potato soup was also very good. Service seems family like and good
Ribs were well done, chicken was amazingly moist. And potatoes wedges were so fluffy on inside
This is THE place to go for BBQ - the meat has the best smoky favor and the sauces compliment it well. My favorite is by far their ribs, but their chicken and fish fry is really good as well! The portions are generous and prices are reasonable. We had them cater our wedding and the guests raved about how good the meal was. It's a family favorite of ours! :)
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