Fatty’s Pub and Grill

I have been coming here for the last 5 years, the food is good but the service seems to be getting worse (especially if you’re sitting outside) and it seems like it takes an unusual amount of time to get your food.
About a week ago I had a rather unpleasant experience which resulted in me contacting my cardholder to dispute charges on my card that were not disclosed at the time we were being served. I also attempted to call and speak to the owner but he never returned my call… It’s really unfortunate that Fatty’s handled it the way they did, and you’d think that they would try to make things right with a customer that has given them hundreds of dollars over the years.
Yes, the Cajun Potato salad is good. If you’re looking to stop in, I suggest the Wayne Pretzky.

Delicious and friendly staff too! Super busy on game days though, so consider that.

I came here to have a good night. Met a lotion new people. But since I was buying shit for people then they kicked me out. Honestly. Act sober when your 32 you will get kicked out. The owner is a joke

I’ve been here a couple of times with friends and family. I love the potato salad.

Fatty’s is probably the most legitimate restaurant/​bar in DeKalb, aside from O’Leary’s. Fatty’s is great for lunch, and even better for drinks in the evening. Location is roomy with plenty of seating inside and out. Yes, the talk is true, you have to try the potato salad. I don’t even like potato salad, and I never pass up an opportunity to have it at Fatty’s. It’s got bacon, and other fatty things that make it exceptional.
My go-​to is the chicken fingers with potato salad, with honey on the side. In case you didn’t know, honey and fried chicken is the best combination ever. It’s a great place for NIU students to take their parents or friends when they’re in town visiting.

This is a college sports bar. There’s lots of beer, sandwiches and the legendary fried potato salad. If you want a quiet spot for dinner, I’d go elsewhere, but it is nice for lunch.

Scary bad service. We had a large group, extended family up for graduation, 15 people, called ahead to get a table. Place was empty. It took 30 minutes for the drinks to start to come… one or two at a time. Because «there weren’t enough bartenders». Warm beer, in the wrong glasses. «I rang up two beers accidentally, so do you want this now or later?» Heres a thought, not at all! Mixed drinks took 45 minutes plus. Went up to the bar to see what was going on. there were our drinks just sitting at the bar, poured, ready to go, no waitress in sight. After repeatedly waving the waitress down, she brought some of the tables’ checks. Some had to go to the bar to track her down. Then she had an attitude because she wasn’t getting good tips. Really?!?
We planned on ordering appetizers and some wanted dinner. We planned on having a few drinks. Could have had a HUGE tip, if she would have offered us decent service. Will not return.

Yes, the Cajun potato salad is the reason most come to this campus cornerstone. However, the rest of the menu is also worth wonderful mention! I’ve been coming to this DeKalb staple since I went to NIU, and every time the food has been delicious!
Tonight I had the Bayou Burger, which is an Angus patty that is marinated in a Cajun season sauce, and then topped with cheese. I like to get my meals with the option of half and half; half French fries and half potato salad. I love a place where they cook your burger the way you want. Personally, I like my beef to still have a «moo» left in it before I eat it.
The only thing that can take points off from this place is the service (sometimes!). I know that they are college students, and when it is crowded it can be hectic. However when I was here today with my boyfriend, it was not too busy, and it took a good 15 minutes for our waitress to come by us. Now, I am not one to throw a stink, and she was quick the rest of the time. I am just saying that if you are the type of person who demands constant attention, then this is not the place for you. Me, personally, I like that they don’t sit on you, and constantly bombard you with «How’s the food? Can I get you something?» questions.
To sum up, Fatty’s is a key part of the NIU community, and if you’re going to stop somewhere to eat, then this should be one of the options!

I’m in town on business. Fatty’s came highly recommended by the front desk of my hotel. I ordered a burger without a bun and with grilled mushrooms and a side salad. The burger was good. The «grilled mushrooms» were from a can, ALWAYS disappointing. The salad was good. The bloody Mary was actually really good and spicy! It is a sports bar and loud. I listened to my audio book with hrad phones. The outside patio is very nice. The service was mediocre and the server looked less than thrilled to be there. Would I go back? Doubtful.

Little overrated on the potato salad a little is good, but more then a few bites is way too much. Other then that buyers are super good as are their wraps.

Delicious food & great beer selection. Would be 5 stars but can be slow at times.

two words: potato salad.
also they have music and stuff now?
best place in dekalb.

I suppose I should write a review for this place since I’ve been coming here for years. I’ll keep it short and sweet. The atmosphere is great, as they just revamped the back area and the beer garden. Frequently there is a dj. Drinks are reasonable and it seems a more affluent crowd goes here rather than the rest of the dive bars in DeKalb (where you’re likely to get mugged or punched in the face by a bouncer). Keep up the good work!

Food was okay, probably good for a college town. Waitress was rude and paid no attention to me when I was with with two other people. Service was very slow, it took a good 10 minutes for anyone to approach our table.

Favorite bar on campus thus far. I really enjoy going here for both the food, drinks, and entertainment. The staff is friendly, bar tenders know how to serve up some drinks, and I enjoy the overall enviroment. They recently set up an outside deck, which I am dying to hand out in. Usually have really good DJs in the summer (Suave) and it is a very lively college experience during it’s evening hours. My favorite dish is the BBQ Pulled Pork with a Red Velvet. Their Beef Brisket sandwich is also delicious!

Best sports bar in DeKalb. Good pub food and inexpensive drinks. I liked it best for football in the afternoons.
It gets less stupid than other bars, although not much. I’d avoid the 10 pm crowd unless you’re looking to get crazy.
The sandwiches are decent, but the appetizers are the better food. Also, don’t expect bartenders to be elite mixologists. Order something simple, it should be decent.

Fun spot to grab a bite, and a beer. Known for their potato salad, seemed like it would go well with a brew. Had the Wayne pretzky — pretty tasty. Overall, fun spot, would definitely recommend for sport games.

Everyone you hear from will tell you this potato salad is amazing, which it is, but it is also INSANELY rich. I’m talking like, 5 or 6 bites in and you want to save the rest for later. I ordered a burger which was really good, and also ordered a Bloody Mary which was really bad. I think the first bloody mary I ordered had an entire shaker of pepper in it, and asked for a second one with not as much and it was just alright. If you are looking for a good burger I would check this place out but that is all I would get from there.

I frequented this joint during grad school, and they haven’t changed a thing!
I am a creature of habit so I ordered the Fatty Melt i.e. Patty melt… Meat was cooked perfectly and smothered in grilled onions and served on perfectly crunchy rye bread. It was served with a side of slaw which is creamy and sweet. It also came with a choice of potato and I chose the house made chips and had to get the jalapeño ketchup!
Ambiance is historical sports bar, food is above average, and college kids can’t splurge so the prices are in line.
Even if it weren’t nostalgic this place would make the list…

CAJUN POTATO SALAD. CAJUN POTATO SALAD. CAJUN POTATO SALAD. If you leave with one bit of advice from this review, it should be that you should get their famous potato salad. My friend who is an NIU alumni swears that he will take over an hour drive just to get it. If you’re thinking of a white, creamy potato salad, erase that thought! This is something of its own kind.
I’ve been to Fatty’s solely to dine, so I can’t comment on its night life. Each time, there has been excellent service. Their fried pickles are bomb too! Thinly sliced lengthwise.
During this particular experience, I had their Italian beef, which was decent! My friend and I sat out in the patio, which was a pleasant change of scenery, but the bugs were such a nuisance. All up in your face, your drink, your food. I have a pretty big fear of bugs, so I’ll be skipping the patio from now on.