Big Fatty's

"Put some south in your mouth"

Storyand photos by Jennifer Stiles

The sounds of blue grass, jazz, and the smell of Barbecue are the first things to notice as you walk through the white and red wooden doors of Big Fatty's BBQ. With all homemade meals, Big Fatty's is truly a refreshing change for the small city of Burlington.

Looking at the unique and funny decor made the wait for my order fly by to quickly.

After hearing good reviews about Big Fatty's BBQ on the food network channel, I decided to give it a try. Located on the ferry end of main street Burlington, the restaurant was a cinch to find. Honestly, you can't miss it if you tried. Just a quick walk up from the water and you'll be in southern chef pig territory. With the Big Fatty logo, a pig with a chef's hat on, and tables and chairs outside the blue brick building, the BBQ joint can't be mistaken.

The first thing to be noticed as you enter the wooden double doors is the music. During my visit, the sounds of blue grass illuminated the dining room. A shock at first, the music takes you for a ride down south.

As images of banjo's and cowboy hats popped into mind I noticed the interior. Although the restaurant is relatively small (one main room, a counter, and kitchen) the walls are filled with fun reads. Signs that say “No crying or Caterwauling what so ever!“ and “Stupidity is not considered to be handicap Park somewhere else” fill the rustic yellow walls. The whole atmosphere of the decor alone reminds me of my family back at home, laid-back with an obnoxious tell it like it is personality.

Along with the many dozens of signs on the wall; there is also a small chair in one corner, a bronzed cowboy boot with a real plant in it and a giant pig with Mardi Gras dressing. It is very unique and defiantly builds up the restaurants character.

Even on a rainy day, the two bay windows overlooking main street brightens the restaurant. The wooded floor, tables and chairs create a little flavor. And the yellows, oranges, and reds; painted on the walls and doors create a comfortable mood that gets you hungry. Heads up, the restaurant runs a little differently then expected. The menu is above the counter that you order from. I order the shredded BBQ pork and a cold iced tea, mmm.. delicious.

Choosing the best seat in the house, I bring my drink to the booth by the window. The red plaided cushion is slippery against the wooded seat that runs down the wall. Still captivated by the energy of the decor, it seemed as if, as soon as I sat the waitress was bringing my food to the table.

Very personable, I find out that all food is homemade, including their secret sweet barbecue sauce. The employees here all seem to be college age, which puts the whole place in perspective. College town, college decor, cheap good BBQ.

The shredded pork and homemade coleslaw is delicious. The red basket that it sits in, emphasis the rich browns and reds that make up the BBQ color. Not wanting to sound cliché but the mouth watering pork literally “melts in your mouth”. Soon the large basket of pork is a little over half eaten and your ready for a nap. A box to bring back and a bottle of their sweet BBQ sauce and your ready to pay. 6 dollars for the sauce, your bill is 14 bucks. Not bad for some “south in your mouth.”

Ever been to Big Fatty's?