Fat Hen

Service is always right on point. The menu is full of thoughtful dishes. Being a vegetarian, it is nice to have options on the menu, and Fat Hen definitely provides plenty of delicious options!

Amazing place to eat and drink, great atmosphere, wonderful food. Especially on Sunday’s! Sunday brunch here is off the charts. Highly recommend

Very good. It’s super cute inside. We went for Father’s Day and everything we got was great! We got the crème Burlee French toast, it was the best thing we got. The bacon was crispy, the grits were creamy, everything was great. We will be back

Finally tried the recommended place to eat and was not disappointed! Food was fabulous, ambience casual but upscale, personable wait staff. Had the house special mahi mahi that was outstanding. The Cole slaw (with lean, tender & tasty BBQ brisket) was awesome! Best we have ever tasted! Highly recommend this place but if on Fri or weekend, highly recommend reservations. They fill fast!

I’m so glad we dined at The Fat Hen. Our party of four received excellent service from the staff and the food was scrumptious. Best shrimp and grits I’ve had! You can taste the love.

We loved our first visit, sitting outside at the «Coup».
Service is exceptional, across the board.
It’s a heavenly addition to Johns Island for higher end dining and atmosphere.
It was difficult to choose an entrée’, there are beautiful options!
If you have a salt limit, be sure to consult your server, since meals may be heavy in sodium, but it was a treat for me, and I savored every bite.

Superb. Great food, great patio and fun atmosphere. Location is a little Remote as downtown would be just as easy. Between the Coop and sitting on the patio, this is extremely worth the drive. I had the shrimp and grits… which in the Charleston scale was an 8 out of 10 (aka not the best but still worth the high price). The table bread was probably the best in town, maybe the best I’ve ever gotten pre-​appetizer. If you go, make sure to push for the patio on a good night. We got lucky with both but the inside tables seemed close and had a loud atmosphere, a number of competing conversations everywhere

«Good but not great!»
We had late brunch Sunday; wide range of items ordered by we five.
French onion soup excellent, she-​crab OK.
Relaxed ambience, good for groups & kids. Plenty parking in lots, some shaded.
Can be noisy inside.
Reasonable prices.

During our recent trip to Kiawah Island, we ate at Fat Hen twice. The first trip, I had the large mussels appetizer (aioli style) as my entrée with a side of their pommes frites. My boyfriend had the pork chop with calvados glaze, potatoes au gratin, and collard greens. Mussels are one of my favorite things and they were delicious here. My only critique would be that there was a little bit too much of the aioli and I wasn’t sure about serving it drizzled over the shells. It made it difficult to avoid the sauce if I wanted to. Getting fries to dunk in the broth was a great call, but with the addition of that side, I probably should have gotten the small order of mussels. It was a massive portion so be aware.
My boyfriend’s pork chop was so delicious that I had to have it for myself when we returned a few days later. This is as perfect a dish as I’ve ever had. The potatoes were crunchy and creamy the way the best potatoes au gratin are. The collard greens were briny, but not bitter. They were a terrific counterpoint to the terrific, slightly sweet glaze on the pork chop. My chop was cooked perfectly – moist inside with a flavorful char on the outside.
During our second visit, I also had a cup of the she-​crab soup. It was rich and decadent the way crab soup should be, but not so heavy that I was full before my entrée arrived. My boyfriend had the fried shrimp which came with pommes frites and bacon/​blue cheese cole slaw. He is something of a cole slaw fiend and appreciated this original, tasty twist on a classic (if not a little dull) side dish. The shrimp were plum and juicy. I think sometimes deep frying seafood can disguise sub-​quality product. That isn’t the case here; the shrimp were very much the star and the batter was light.
Service was also impressive despite how busy the restaurant was on both occasions. The staff is clearly knowledgeable about the menu and offered suggestions as needed. Our two different waiters were both attentive but not over-​bearing – which can be a difficult balance to strike.
Last, I appreciated the atmosphere at Fat Hen. I believe the restaurant is in a converted home. It’s a very pretty spot, especially the screened back porch where we dined during our second meal. This isn’t a stuffy place despite the refined experience you’ll have. I wish more restaurants were like Fat Hen. We enjoyed our favorite meal of the trip here. The following week, I also traveled to Los Angeles and nothing I had on that trip even came close to matching the dinners I ate at Fat Hen.

What’s not to like? As out-​of-​towners we just drove through the main strip of John’s Island and were immediately drawn to the «Fat Hen.» It was a Tuesday night so there was live entertainment and it was a gorgeous night so there we landed!
We sat outside and started with the mussels aioli. If you get their crunchy/​soft bread you could make a meal out of that and the mussels. Be sure to dip the bread in the sauce! We also got the chicken livers in the ham mushroom sauce! Wow, your taste buds won’t know what to think. I was not overly impressed with the margaritas it tasted like something out of a plastic jug but other than that we just had a great night.

Fat Hen is officially one of my favorite brunch spots in Charleston. I would have never ventured over to Johns Island from Mount Pleasant on my own, but I’m glad I did.
I was desperately in need of nourishment after a wild Saturday night and Sunday morning run, so gentleman caller suggested Fat Hen. I’d never heard of it but agreed because YOLO… or something like that. It was a pretty drive out to the Fat Hen, much off the beaten path and a pleasant change from Mount P and downtown dining.
Upon arrival, we were seated immediately at a patio table. Score! The patio is adorable — trees and lights overhanging everywhere, all and all great atmosphere. The food runner/​bus girl came by and took our drink orders immediately. Our actual server came by shortly thereafter. Dude was sort of an aloof college student server type and I can honestly say he was the only detractor of the meal and otherwise I would give Fat Hen five stars.
My breakfast burrito was both muy grande y delicioso. It was far more of a Mexican dish than your traditional egg and sausage breakfast wrap. Said breakfast burrito was definitely not what I expected, but it also far exceeded expectation and left me full for the day. Gentleman caller had French onion soup (amazing) and chicken fried steak (disgusting IMO, but I’m sure good if you’re into that kind of thing).
Whenever I need a break from my Page’s Okra Grill obsession/​addiction, Fat Hen will absolutely be my go to brunch spot going forward. I’m also dying to come back here and try dinner soon. It’s a great find that should not be missed.

Just great. Waiter was quick and friendly. Escargot was an embarrassment of over-​indulgence, which is exactly what you want that dish to be. Absolutely phenomenal. Steak the lady got was good, lamb shank I got was cooked perfectly. Heck that cappuccino the lady got was amazing and I don’t even care for the stuff.
If you’ve followed my reviews (as you likely have not, if so, seek a more rewarding hobby) you’re aware if there is something to bitch about, I will find it. None to be found here. Excellent in every aspect.

While Fat Hen is a great little restaurant, I think the best thing on their menu is the mussels. We get them prepared the «aioli» way with garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, white wine butter. Seriously do yourself a favor and order these. I try to not turn up the bowl and drink the sauce when all the mussels are gone. It’s that good. The brunch is probably my favorite Fat Hen menu. The Sausage and French Toast sandwich is good, but I couldn’t move for the rest of the afternoon.
I’m glad they’ve added the outdoor area; it looks great. It can be noisy at times inside the restaurant making conversation difficult, especially if you’re there with more than one other person. While I do like Fat Hen for the mussels and brunch menu, if I’m going out to John’s Island for dinner, it’s usually for Wild Olive or the Southern General.

Local food served in a charming atmosphere.
We sat in bar to avoid wait. Although the scene was often bustling and busy, the service was good and prompt.
Local food gave us many healthy options.
We enjoyed the simple salad and the bread was perfect.
$ 20 wine special was special.
Among the the entrees, the coq au vin was the highlight.

Foggy night and it was a trip but well worth the effort. There aren’t too many choice out the John’s Island way but this is a great pick. I had the pork chop with a heap of local collard greens and scalloped potatoes. Great choice. Others in our party had the Lamb shank which I tasted and was delicious. We also had the duck, excellent and the meat loaf which I did not try but looked good.
Waiter made a recommendation on a great wine that didn’t break the bank! Gotta love Restaurants that try and make affordable wines available.
Great vibe and very friendly knowledgeable staff. Try it!

This review is for their brunch.
From looking at the majority of reviews, it looks like, again, I am going to be the odd ball out.
On a Sunday, we made a reservation for 12:45. Honestly, I am unsure if my gf who made the reservation made mention that one of our guests were wheelchair bound, but upon arrival, the table they had prepared for us was a high top table, which obviously couldnt accommodate our friend. So we had to wait 30+ minutes for a regular table. That wasnt really a big deal, just more of a note to make sure to mention special needs if necessary.
I do not remember our servers name, but she was very pleasant and friendly. Upon looking at the menu, honestly nothing really stood out to me. Everything was porky, which cut out the majority of the menu. Lets see… so shrimp and grits, a sausage and french toast sandwich and duck and apple sausage gratin were on the table.
There were 2 kids, one had mac and cheese and the other had a nutella and fluff sandwich (??).
My friend who had the shrimp and grits liked the flavor, but the portions for the money were well off in his opinion. I heard great reviews of the sausage and french toast sandwich, and the duck and apple sausage gratin was described «average considering the ingredients». Lol. not sure what she meant by that.
I had the omelet of the day – open face with broccoli, mushrooms… and some other boring thing.
My omelet was bland and overpriced, we asked for a side of fruit with the kids sandwich, but it came with fries or something, and we were charged extra for the side of fruit we asked for in the first place, bread that was put on the table I was under the impression was a precursor to brunch, but turned out to be $ 7 per basket! We were nickeled and dimed (charging for a little pickle sliver? Come on.)
Besides the nice drive, I can not really think of anything that stood out outside of the insane $ 120 bill.
Another «I tried it and am moving on» experience for me. I may not count it it out entirely because the dinner menu looks pretty good, but as of now, me and Fat Hen will remain separated.

The company could have had something to do with it (girls’ night out!), but I’d say regardless, Fat Hen really delivered. As natives to the Midwest, we were looking for a spot with well-​prepared fresh seafood, and Fat Hen hit the spot.
We started with the local crab fished out of a river down the way, so they told us. Fresh, plump and oh-​so-​tasty! I’m not much of a crab connoisseur so was happy to see that it was very easy to pick the meat out of these humongous legs. We also all three started with a mesclun salad with goat cheese (yes, the cheese is extra but totally worth it); very hefty portions. And we were all three very happy with our main dishes — the homemade pasta with shrimp, the salmon and the fish of the day. I was torn between the pasta and the fish of the day and wound up with the latter; while very pleased, I tasted by companion’s and clearly wouldn’t have gone wrong either way.
For dessert, two of us indulged in the chocolate mousse with Oreo crust and raspberry sauce, which was absolutely out of this world. Indeed, we were in heaven and thrilled we’d chosen to each get our own slice. I’m certain things would have turned ugly if we’d had to share. The last, who required gluten-​free, tried the brulee or some such and was not nearly as pleased.
Service was friendly if at times a bit slow, as we were seated outside, so a bit out of her glide path.

I loved this restaurant during my first experience but this time I was left a bit disappointed, mostly due to the hospitality.
My family and I decided on a whim to go to Fat Hen before visiting the Angel Oak so we did not have reservations. I stepped in and approached the hostess who promptly asked if she could help me, well yes, we’d like to a table, so I said 4 please. I knew there would be a wait, especially without reservations so she informed me the wait with out a reservation would be an hour. She added that we could sit outside which we didn’t mind but there was no more information given after that. «It’s seat yourself,» or It’s full menu,” «here take some menus,» nothing, she simply looked back down and disregarded us. My family felt the same way. Her demeanor in general was very snobbish.
So we stepped out and headed to «The Coupe» to sit. All remaining seating was left directly in the sun so my mother suggested asking permission to scoot one table over slightly so it’d be out of direct sunlight. The server/bartender’s response was no my manger would not like that. Seeing that disappointed us she then said ok I don’t care but if the manager comes out you’ll have to move it back. I’m not sure what restaurant would prompt a manger to be upset if a table was adjusted for the comfort of the customer. Especially since tables and chairs are moved frequently to accommodate parties and guests.
Luckily the food was good but the service and hospitality is often times what keeps guests coming back. For us, it might be a long while before we do.

How many times have I eaten here and hated it? NEVER! Good French food, well priced. Service top notch. Prices are like any other high end Restaurant down town, but worth it. Their onion soup is to die for. Sometimes I order a second order. Beef Stew is delicious. Yes, I know that there is a French name for it but I can’t spell it, so there. Just order the beef, they’ll know what it is.
Frank G

It’s no secret that this place is cool. Think fresh, expertly-​prepared food tucked into an adorable cottage. At 9pm (Friday), there was still a 45min wait for inside seating, however they sat us outside immediately.
The service was quick and the servers were all very sharp. The drinks all come in cute mason jars and the restaurant is decorated in kitchen utensils displayed all over the walls. The food was incredible. We ordered the fried shrimp appetizer, and then I got the shrimp pasta (love my shrimp!). The pasta is mixed in with tomatoes, broccoli, chickpeas, and a delicious cream sauce. The sweet tea was also on point and well, you have to order sweet tea when you’re in the south!
Only downside is that we got a lot of mosquito bites from eating outside since it was such a muggy day and next time would choose to eat inside!