Fat Jacks Barbecue

Classic barbecue joint! Plenty of indoor seating with a mom and pop vibe. One of my chicken breasts was a little dry but the other was juicy smoky & delicious! The chicken dinner was excellent. Sides were good, nothing crazy. We did takeout and the to go window was nice and easy to find. Would try this place again!

First, the good: The garlic bread is outstanding. Some of the best. The cajun cheese curds made my top ten all-time favorite cheese curd list. Highly recommend. The cajun fish fry was also very good. The baked beans were on point.Second, the mediocre: The chicken and the brisket were very dry, but flavorful. The coleslaw had the strangest flavor; my wife liked it, I just thought it was okay. It was sort of this weird combination of apple cider vinegar and barbeque sauce. It was very different from the normal, mayo-based coleslaw I'm used to. The wedge fries are really good, but nothing special. They'd benefit from an interesting spice combo or dry rub or something.Third, the less-than-mediocre: Only two choices for BBQ sauces. One tasted like slightly spicy ketchup and the other was a little hotter. Neither is winning any sauce awards. Still, this place is kind of iconic now, isn't it? Been around a long time. The decor is kitschy and fun. The service is friendly and helpful. I don't have major complaints. I'll be back.

The Cajun cheese curds didn't have a "Cajun" flavor. Also, I know cheese curds are deep fried, but these were beyond greasy. So greasy, the breading was falling off, and some of the cheese had disappeared. Disappointing there were only two bbq sauce options. I've been to many BBQ places in the South, and they always have more than two options. I ordered the "all you can eat" ribs. The first order was phenomenal. Lots of meat on the bone, and tender. The reorders were pitiful. They had to of been a different batch of ribs or leftovers from the day prior. They barely had any meat on the bone, and they were crisp and very tough to eat. Also, the sever progressively got slower and slower with each reorder. The place wasn't even busy.The coleslaw was some of the worst I've ever had. Usually coleslaw has a sweet flavor or a vinegar flavor. It just tasted like pepper.

Fat Jack's is a locally owned restaurant who believes in home cooking. Their chicken is slowly smoked, roasted ribs, and the marinated chicken breast is aw so good. Their barbecue sauces are made on the premises and is their special secret. The portion size is good and the atmosphere is comfortable. The service is fairly quick and a good pace. Don't miss a good restaurant with their own distinctive flavors.

The last time I went to Fat Jack's had to be in the 90's, because I was kid. After an event in Monona on Friday night, I pointed it out to my husband and mentioned how I frequented it with my family as a child. Being the barbeque enthusiast that he is, he begged us to stop. It didn't take much convincing, because my memories were fond! The moment we stepped inside, I immediately remembered the delicious smell. The very friendly waitress that was walking by asked if we've been before, and I said yes but a very long time ago. She mentioned that now you seat yourself wherever you'd like, and then order at the counter. We made our way over to a booth and looked over the menus she had handed us. By the time we walked up to the counter, there was a large group there. The friendly waitress noticed, and came over to take our order, which was much appreciated! My husband ordered ribs with baked beans and an extra slice of garlic bread. I opted for the fish fry, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. I wasn't the biggest fan of the coleslaw, but it had a nice vinaigrette flavor. The fish was incredible! The crispy breading was nice and airy and the fish had a great flavor. The mac and cheese was pretty standard, but good. I wish I had gone the route of my husband and ordered an extra piece of the garlic bread, because it was delicious! My husband mentioned he loved his ribs and that he was a happy man! I can't believe I had forgotten about this treasure, and we will definitely be back.

Visiting Madison area for our AnniversaryWe read all the reviews and decided it sounded like it would be a good place to try!The waitress was very nice!I ordered Catfish, which came with beans, coleslaw, bread and hush- puppies. (YUM, I THOUGHT!)The coleslaw was large chunky cabbage with a vinegar flavor....not creamy coleslaw. The beans tasted like they came from a can, no flavor. The bread was super greasy. Then, after only one bite of the fish, I realised it was coated in cayenne pepper (spicey HOT) which ruined everything for me....my whole mouth was on fire!!!! Remember, "my experience" "my taste"The waitress brought me cod in place of the catfish which was very nice but I couldn't eat anything else after that. (I really wanted catfish) By this time, I had to order a glass of milk to cool down my whole mouth, my lips and my gums from burning a lot! I actually felt sick.The decor was different it showed "family pride" and history which I could take it or leave it so no negative reaction to the decor but... the lighting was a bit too dark.I gave the waitress a decent tip...she was the only positive experience at "Fat Jacks"

This sleeper is decorated with Madison history and the walls were fun to look at while we visited. The staff were helpful and friendly providing good advice on how to best order for a family of four. The wings were a little small, but the order was still too big for us to finish. Still great buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing. Solid appetizer of traditional buffalo wings.The main event was a platter of all the meats available- two types of ribs, chicken, beef and pork sliced bbq. Each was good with sauces. We all had different favorites!

The food was delicious, portions were generous, and good prices. We had the Sunday night chicken dinner special, and the pork dinner. Both were amazing and just what we wanted.

The food is amazing, it's also very fast serving. It is decorated with lots of Madison history, the service is phenomenal, you can really tell they care about the place

Outstanding staff and food. Most BBQ restaurants serve a portion of 4 ribs but Fat Jack's still serves full and half racks at a fair price. Best ribs in Madison by far.