Nestled in the heart of Cooper, Texas, Fatboy's BBQ Joint is a hidden gem that captures the essence of southern hospitality and finger-licking good barbecue. This unassuming eatery, marked by its weathered wooden sign and the aroma of smoked meats wafting through the air, has been a local favorite for as long as anyone can remember. Upon stepping inside, you're greeted with an ambiance that's as unpretentious as it is welcoming. The interior is dominated by rustic wooden tables, checkered tablecloths, and a small stage for live music on weekends. The walls are adorned with various country and blues music memorabilia, giving it an authentic, down-home feel.
Fatboy's is characterized by warm smiles and attentive staff. Despite the casual atmosphere, the staff takes their work seriously. You place your order at the counter, and the food is brought to your table. The employees are quick to answer questions and provide recommendations, ensuring you have a comfortable dining experience. Now, my favorite BBQ meal is the brisket sandwich...and let's face it you have one BBQ brisket sandwich you've covered about 89% of what you need to know about the dish. Corporate BBQ chain restaurants are more common than not, with standard bottles of the corporate-approved sauce. And while it's hard to talk about it, there is every chance that smoky character is actually due to liquid smoke poured out of a bottle (and what's in a liquid smoke bottle are things you don't want to know).
In my opinion, it's actually not easy these days to run a real BBQ joint in big cities, given the ongoing effort to eliminate smoke whether it's from a BBQ pit or your own home fireplace. Out in the country, like Fatboy's, you can still do it the right way.
The beverage selection is adequate, featuring standard soft drinks and a few local craft beers. Unfortunately, the restaurant lacks an extensive selection of specialty cocktails or a unique drink menu but it's a simple, hometown spot...worthy of a great meal and visit. Forget frills. Fatboy's isn't about elegance. It's about a great meal at a reasonable price.
After eating here a few times in the past, I stopped by a few weeks ago while camping at Cooper Lake. I ordered one BBQ sandwich and a side of coleslaw. Once again, the BBQ was some of the best I have eaten. I even asked for lean meat and received it. For me, the coleslaw had a little too much mayo but that's just my personal preference. My fishing buddy came with me and he ordered hot sausage links and a side of fries. He commented that the sausage was some of the best he had ever eaten. Curiously, I tried some of his fries and they were just as fantastic as he claimed.
Before writing this blog post, I paid Fatboy's a final visit. I decided to order about 5 entree items for my entire family so we could share the food and rate each item. After sampling all of it, the unanimous rating is 'excellent.' Take my recommendations - the brisket - very tender- the best item on the menu, the sausages- outstanding jalapeno & cheddar as well as the hot sausage links, the ham - smokey and tasty, and the turkey - excellent, lean, flavorful and non processed.
Fatboy's BBQ Joint is a quintessential hometown BBQ joint, offering delicious, no-frills barbecue that's rich in flavor and authenticity. While it might not be the place for a fancy date night, it's the perfect spot for a laid-back evening with friends or a family outing. The only minor drawbacks are the limited beverage options and the decent, yet not exceptional, selection of sides. Nonetheless,Fatboy's is a beloved local institution that embodies the heart and soul of southern barbecue. If you're in town, don't miss the chance to savor this slice of hometown flavor.
15 Texas Highway 24 N, Cooper, TX 75432
(903) 300-3287
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