Big Fatty's BBQ

[TonyO]

I read that a Hartford based restaurant called Big Fatty's will be coming to Burlington, VT. Do any Hounds know of this place ???

[greenstate]

Fatty's is just OK, don't get too excited about it. The ribs are big and very fatty, the cole slaw and baked beans are good and the pulled pork is better than the ribs or the dried out chicken. I'd rather go to the Woodstock Farmer's Market and buy the packaged Nieman Ranch baby back ribs and make my own sides.

[Jamesesq73]

Being a southern transplant to central Vermont, I used to eat at Big Fatty's original location in the WRJ area. While the food is definitely not bad it is- like every other BBQ place I have tried in Vermont- very expensive for what you get. I no longer go there because I cannot bring myself to pay almost ten bucks for an average BBQ plate that I could get for $4.75 at a much better place in Georgia.

[TonyO]

I have learned that when in an area that struggles with one or more types of cuisine, the best approach is to learn how to cook it yourself ! In Vermont, that holds true for BBQ and Pizza !

[kaszeta]

Actually, I eat a lot of Big Fatty's, since they do a lot of catering around here. We regularly have them cater company events.

I've generally been impressed with their BBQ. Their chicken is so-so, but their pulled pork and brisket (which isn't always on the menu) are quite good, as are the cole slaw and beans.

Sure, by the standards I had living in TN, they are run-of-the-mill, but they are much, much better than most of the options available around here.

[TonyO]

Around here (Vermont), there is no option with the exception of my backyard smoker/grill !

[kaszeta]

Where in Vermont? Aside from Big Fatty's and Curtis's (Hartford/WRJ and Putney) which are both decent, there's also River Run in Plainfield which is pretty decent as well. Finkerman's in Montpelier, too, although the reviews I've heard haven't been inspring.

I hear there is a place in Waitsfield, too, but don't know more than that.

Yeah, that's not a lot, but it's more than nothing.

[TonyO]

Near Burlington.

[Jestner]

Curtis = Terrible, Worst Ribs I've Ever Had
River Run = Disappointing, Not too good either. Dried out overcooked hush puppies
Finkerman's = Burned, Tough, No Good. Burned hushpuppies and expensive!

The only place in VT lately (within the last year) that I've had decent BBQ was Top of the Hill Grill in Brattleboro.

As for Waitsfield...are you thinking of Michael's Good to Go? They do limited BBQ options - such as BBQ pulled pork. That Burrito (Fatty something or other) is a pretty good meal.

[kaszeta]

I won't actually disagree with any of your assessments. Curtis's has been notorious for inconsistency. I'll add your opinion on Finkerman's the the list of other disappointing reviews.

I've had really good stuff from River Run (good hushpuppies, pulled pork, and a reasonable gumbo), but it's been from their catering operation.

I'll inquire with my skiing friends about the Waitsfield place, I'm not finding anything googling.

[rcianci]

As for Michael's Good to Go, I don't know about their BBQ, but I still dream about the jambalaya I had there last year. Fantastic.

[Dave S.]

I don't think the Waitsfield reference is to Michael's Good-To-Go (which is good, but not really a barbecue place). Local Folks Smokehouse is where the Mad Mountain Tavern used to be. I have not tried it yet, and have not heard any reviews.

[Peznt]

I've had Fatty's ribs, (not great, wouldn't buy them again) cole slaw was good, beans marginal. The side of BBQ sauce was very good though. I hear they do better with pulled pork.

peznt

[katiepie]

It's funny you mention it, because I noticed it for the first time today. It's located where the Brazilian BBQ place use to be. I don't know anything about it though!

[TonyO]

Hopefully they succeed as BBQ would be a nice addition to Burlington.

[Msample]

I was just talking to a friend of mine who lives in Shelburne . Hard to believe a city of this size doesn't have any sort of BBQ . I'll pass the word .