Fatty’s Pub & Grille is a vibrant and lively establishment located in the heart of DeKalb, IL, just a stone’s throw away from the Northern Illinois University campus. This sports bar and restaurant has become a favorite hangout for students, faculty, and locals alike, offering a unique dining experience with an extensive menu and an unbeatable beer selection.
The atmosphere at Fatty’s is electric, with multiple TVs showcasing the latest sporting events, creating the perfect environment for socializing and cheering on your favorite teams. The bar boasts an impressive collection of over 110 different beers, including a variety of local and craft brews, ensuring that there’s something to satisfy every beer enthusiast’s palate.
Warm-Ups (Appetizers)
Fatty’s Pub & Grille knows how to kick things off right with their delectable appetizer selection. Their Beer Nuggets, made with a unique blend of spices and served with a zesty ranch dipping sauce, are a crowd favorite. For those who love fried goodness, the Fried Cheese Curds are a must-try, with their crispy outer coating and gooey, melted cheese interior.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more substantial, the Quesadillas are a fantastic choice. Packed with a blend of savory meats, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables, these quesadillas are sure to satisfy your cravings. But that’s not all – Fatty’s also offers a signature appetizer that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds: the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. These fiery yet delicious morsels are wrapped in smoky bacon and filled with a creamy cheese blend, making them an irresistible start to your meal.
Nacho Platters and Sliders
At Fatty’s Pub & Grille, the nacho platters are a crowd favorite, perfect for sharing or indulging in as a hearty meal. The classic Nacho Platter is a mountain of crispy tortilla chips smothered in zesty beef or chicken, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, black olives, and a generous dollop of sour cream and salsa on the side.
For those seeking a twist on the traditional, the BBQ Chicken Nachos are a must-try. Tender chunks of grilled chicken are tossed in a tangy barbecue sauce and piled high on tortilla chips with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños. The contrasting flavors of smoky barbecue and zesty toppings create a delightful fusion of flavors.
Sliders are another popular option at Fatty’s, offering a variety of miniature sandwiches that pack a flavorful punch. The classic Cheeseburger Sliders feature juicy beef patties topped with melted American cheese, pickles, and a dollop of Fatty’s signature sauce on soft, buttery buns. For those seeking a heartier option, the Pulled Pork Sliders are a crowd-pleaser, with tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder drenched in a tangy barbecue sauce and topped with creamy coleslaw on toasted buns.
Vegetarians can indulge in the Portobello Mushroom Sliders, where meaty portobello caps are marinated in balsamic vinegar and grilled to perfection, served on soft buns with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, and a smear of garlic aioli. These miniature sandwiches are perfect for sampling a variety of flavors or satisfying those late-night cravings.
House Wings
At Fatty’s Pub & Grille, the house wings are a true crowd-pleaser. Available in orders of 6, 12, or 18, these wings are cooked to perfection and tossed in your choice of mouthwatering sauces. The menu boasts an impressive selection of flavors, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving.
For those who love a classic, the Buffalo sauce is a must-try. This tangy and spicy sauce packs a punch, delivering the perfect balance of heat and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the Jamaican Jerk or the Mango Habanero sauces, which offer a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy notes.
If you prefer a more robust flavor profile, the Garlic Parmesan or the Honey Mustard wings are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The Garlic Parmesan wings are coated in a rich, creamy sauce with a hint of garlic and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, while the Honey Mustard wings are drizzled with a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the crispy exterior.
For those seeking a truly unique experience, the Korean BBQ or the Lemon Pepper wings are must-tries. The Korean BBQ wings are coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with a hint of ginger and sesame, while the Lemon Pepper wings are tossed in a zesty blend of lemon and cracked black pepper, adding a refreshing twist to the classic wing flavor.
No matter your preference, Fatty’s Pub & Grille offers a wing deal that’s hard to resist. Every Monday, you can indulge in all-you-can-eat wings for a flat rate, making it the perfect opportunity to sample multiple flavors. Additionally, during happy hour, wings are offered at a discounted price, allowing you to enjoy this delectable treat without breaking the bank.
Wraps, Sandwiches, and Fingers
Fatty’s Pub & Grille offers a mouthwatering selection of wraps, sandwiches, and finger foods that are sure to satisfy any craving. One of the customer favorites is the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, featuring crispy chicken tenders tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, wrapped up with lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy ranch dressing. For those who prefer a classic, the Club Wrap is a delicious option, packed with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
When it comes to sandwiches, Fatty’s has some unique offerings that set them apart. The Cajun Chicken Sandwich is a must-try, with a spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken breast topped with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a zesty Cajun mayo. Another standout is the Philly Cheesesteak, loaded with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, peppers, and gooey melted cheese on a toasted hoagie roll.
For those looking for something a little different, Fatty’s Fingers are a crowd-pleaser. These breaded and fried strips of tender chicken or beef are served with a variety of dipping sauces, making them the perfect shareable appetizer or snack. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or want to try something new, Fatty’s Pub & Grille has a wrap, sandwich, or finger food that’s sure to hit the spot.
Burgers & Sandwiches
At Fatty’s Pub & Grille, the burger selection is a true highlight. The Black Angus Char-Grilled Burger is a customer favorite, made with a juicy 8 oz. Black Angus beef patty that’s grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche bun. You can customize your burger with a variety of toppings, including cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and more.
In addition to the classic burger, Fatty’s offers several unique burger options. The Patty Melt is a twist on the traditional, featuring a Black Angus patty topped with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, all grilled between two slices of marble rye bread. The Bacon Bleu Burger is another standout, with a Black Angus patty topped with crispy bacon, crumbled bleu cheese, and a tangy bleu cheese dressing.
For those seeking a heartier option, the Over Stuffed Sandwiches at Fatty’s are sure to satisfy. These massive sandwiches are piled high with your choice of fillings, such as the Philly Cheese Steak, loaded with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, peppers, and melted provolone cheese on a hoagie roll. The Reuben is another popular choice, featuring tender corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on toasted marble rye bread.
Entrees
Fatty’s Pub & Grille truly shines when it comes to their main entree offerings. While the appetizers, sandwiches, and burgers are certainly crowd-pleasers, the entrees showcase the culinary creativity and expertise of the kitchen staff. One dish that stands out as a signature offering is the Cajun Fried Potato Salad.
This unique creation takes the classic potato salad and elevates it to new heights. Tender potatoes are coated in a crispy, Cajun-spiced batter and fried to golden perfection. The dish is then tossed in a tangy remoulade sauce, adding a zesty kick that perfectly complements the bold Cajun flavors. Garnished with fresh scallions and served alongside a creamy ranch dressing for dipping, this dish is a true showstopper.
Beyond the Cajun Fried Potato Salad, Fatty’s Pub & Grille offers a diverse selection of entrees to satisfy any craving. From hearty pasta dishes like the Cajun Chicken Alfredo to classic comfort foods like the Meatloaf Dinner, there’s something for everyone. The Grilled Salmon, served with a lemon dill butter sauce, is a favorite among those seeking a lighter option.
For those with a heartier appetite, the Baby Back Ribs are a must-try. Slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone tenderness and slathered in a tangy house-made barbecue sauce, these ribs are sure to leave you licking your fingers. They’re served with a side of creamy coleslaw and your choice of fries or a baked potato.
No matter what you’re craving, Fatty’s Pub & Grille’s entree menu is sure to have something to satisfy your hunger. From signature dishes like the Cajun Fried Potato Salad to classic favorites, each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring a delicious dining experience every time.
Field of Greens (Salads)
Fatty’s Pub & Grille offers a variety of fresh and flavorful salad options to cater to every taste preference. From classic Caesar and garden salads to more unique and creative combinations, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
One standout option is the Cajun Chicken Salad, featuring grilled Cajun-spiced chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips, all tossed in a zesty Cajun ranch dressing. This salad packs a flavorful punch and is sure to satisfy those seeking a little kick.
For those who prefer a lighter fare, the Spinach Salad is a refreshing choice. It’s a bed of tender baby spinach leaves topped with sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and warm bacon vinaigrette dressing. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is simply divine.
If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, the Taco Salad is a must-try. It features a crispy tortilla bowl filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, all drizzled with a tangy taco sauce. It’s a meal in itself and a true crowd-pleaser.
Fatty’s also offers a variety of house-made dressings to complement their salads, including ranch, bleu cheese, honey mustard, and a signature Fatty’s vinaigrette, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Beer Selection
Fatty’s Pub & Grille takes immense pride in its extensive beer selection, boasting an impressive array of over 110 options. From classic domestic brews to unique craft offerings, beer enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice. The bar’s commitment to sourcing locally crafted beers is evident, with a rotating selection of brews from nearby breweries in the DeKalb and Chicagoland areas.
These locally produced beers not only support the regional economy but also offer patrons a chance to savor the distinct flavors and styles that have emerged from Illinois’ thriving craft beer scene. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or refreshing lagers, Fatty’s has something to tantalize your taste buds. The knowledgeable bartenders are always happy to guide you through the diverse selection, ensuring you find the perfect beer to complement your meal or simply quench your thirst.
Sports Bar Atmosphere
Fatty’s Pub & Grille is more than just a restaurant – it’s a lively sports bar experience. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a vibrant atmosphere fueled by the roars of cheering fans and the glow of numerous flat-screen TVs strategically placed throughout the establishment. Whether you’re a die-hard sports enthusiast or simply looking for a lively spot to catch the big game, Fatty’s has got you covered.
The bar area is a hub of energy, with multiple TVs tuned to the latest sporting events, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action. Grab a seat at the bar or snag a high-top table with friends, and immerse yourself in the electrifying ambiance. The knowledgeable bartenders are always ready to pour your favorite draft beer or whip up a signature cocktail to complement the game-day excitement.
Beyond the bar, the dining area boasts an impressive array of TVs, ensuring every seat has a prime view of the action. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow sports fans, Fatty’s provides the perfect setting to indulge in delicious food and drinks while soaking up the energy of the games.
Fatty’s Pub & Grille has garnered a reputation as one of the best sports bars in the area, earning accolades and recognition from local publications and satisfied patrons alike. Its commitment to creating an unparalleled game-day experience, combined with its mouthwatering menu and extensive beer selection, has made it a beloved destination for sports enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Conclusion
Fatty’s Pub & Grille is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a vibrant atmosphere, extensive beer selection, and a diverse menu that caters to every palate. From the unique Cajun fried potato salad to the mouthwatering Black Angus Char-Grilled Burgers, the menu offers a delightful array of flavors.
The sports bar setting, complete with numerous TVs, creates the perfect environment for socializing and watching games with friends. Whether you’re a student at Northern Illinois University, a local resident, or a visitor to DeKalb, IL, Fatty’s Pub & Grille promises a memorable dining experience.
Explore their online menu and consider making a reservation or placing an order for pickup to savor the delectable dishes and refreshing beers in the comfort of your own space. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the culinary delights and lively ambiance that Fatty’s Pub & Grille has to offer.