Fat Cat Diner

This is a charming old fashion style diner with black and white décor, but the quality food at low prices is the draw. The meatloaf is deliciously exceptional, served with mashed potatoes to give you a comfort food fix. One of my favorites is the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad which is deceptively healthy. If you saved room, sample the desserts, such as the array of cheesecakes the chef famously makes from scratch. Put a stop at this mixing pot of Lima on your agenda!

Just had a great impromptu lunch. Had a meeting at the court house across the street so I just dropped in. The Reuben was amazing. The chips were a nice touch as I am sure they were homemade. The service was quick and friendly. I have been here before but I took the time to let you know that this is awesome. Prices and food were great.

The outside of this place looks a little suspicious. The inside is very cute and quaint but rather small. Went with a party of 2 and we were placed at a 2 person table against the wall. It made things seem very squished. The options are limited but good variety. We both got the Chicken Wrap and it was good nothing extraordinary. Our waitress was lovely and very respectful of our time while still being available.

Great little diner! Happened to be in Lima for work, and I go to great measures to avoid chain restaurants. The staff at the Fat Cat were super friendly and helpful. The place was bright, clean, and adorably retro. The rueben I had was delicious and I enjoyed the fresh kettle chips. The baked goods looked amazing, but alas, I had to resist.
The Fat Cat Diner is a great place for lunch!

Used Fat Cat Diner for a work event in Lima, Ohio. This event fed 45 people and went over very well! I delt with the owner personally, and she advised me on how much food was needed, the best entrée options and was able to accommodate my needs in only 2 short business days. It doesn’t stop there, after the food was delivered (compliments of the resteraunt) the attendees of the event were very satisfied with the food and it was neatly presented and freshly prepared.
I will be using this establishment for lunch events moving forward and can’t wait to dine-​in personally.

What a great accidental find! The food is great. The atmosphere is so retro. The staff was fabulous. I might come to Lima just to eat at this delightful place.

We had a large order brought in for a work luncheon and everything was delicious. We had a selection of four different sandwiches, chips & dip, choice of soup, and dessert (brownie or cookie). I personally had the Chicken Pesto sandwich and enjoyed every bite. Thank you for accommodating our order and getting everything here hot and on time!

I was going to try Vivace yesterday, but they didn’t open until 4:30 PM. I was starving, so consequently, I ended up here because it was just down the street from Vivace and had promising reviews. I also have a soft spot for diners! I was overall pretty pleased, though the way in which they provide service seemed a little disorganized. I sat down at a table for a few minutes, not realizing that I actually had to order at the counter, which I learned after asking the waitress as she was walking by. I ordered some coffee to drink and a meat loaf plate for lunch. It was hard to decide what to get for my sweet tooth, because they have several sweet items on display near the counter. I ended up getting a giant sugar cookie. Food came out pretty quick. The waitress picked the food up at the counter then walked around the restaurant trying to figure out who ordered what. The meat loaf plate was pretty decent. It came with slaw and mashed potatoes. I didn’t care much for the coffee at all — I had to dump lots of cream and sugar in it to suit my taste buds. The cookie was pretty yummy. Not a bad place to stop for some grub. But if you want coffee, I recommend going just down the street to The Meeting Place.

This place is a nice hole in the wall diner. Great atmosphere and friendly service. My buddy and I got burgers that were delicious. Some places have really greasy hamburgers, but not this place. I had to get a box to avoid being in a food coma. The potato and bacon soup is also great.

This is one of my favorite spots to eat lunch at in Lima. It’s so nice to actually have dining choices downtown. The soups are very good here. I haven’t tried one I didn’t like. My favorite was something with mushrooms and potatoes. The sandwich choices are unique and different each time I’ve gone here. Definitely make sure to pop into Pear’s Avenue next door for some one-​of-​a-​kind shopping.

Ordered a grilled cheese and cup of soup. The cheeses were not melted and when I asked for it to be grilled more they throw it in the microwave. REALLY!!! Very disappointed. Soup was warm not hot.

Our work place gets Fat Cat Diner food at least once a week. Very good and everyone at work loves it!

Always wonderful. Had the summer salad. Delicious! Fast & friendly people. The best!

Very good diner with very good selection of items. Every sandwich comes with homemade chips, which are extremely good. Also, they make some fantastic desserts with multiple cheesecake, cookie, and brownie options daily (turtle cheesecake, turtle brownie, salty caramel brownies, etc).
This is one of the few places to eat in downtown Lima, but with quality like this, who needs another place!

This place is a Gem !
Great food — and yes they DO have a real chef !
Bavarian cream puff with chocolate frosting– if they have it when you visit (they are fresh made) get one!
PS the staff includes the chefs mom — And all are friendly, and clearly care about the food — and customers — they serve.
I will visit again, and try the homemade meatloaf dinner. (about $ 7.50)

Simply a fine example of a locally owned restaurant! Keep up the good work and quality!

I gotta say a good place indeed. Small diner atmosphere in downtown Lima. Parking street or behind. We picked a table for two after ordering at the register. Our fault, a small table, more like for one, tight indeed.
I ordered the Italian hoagie w kettle chips, very good, homemade chips, nice and good. Wife got the popular chicken breast with provolone. Enjoyed as well w chips. We shared a clam chowder soup, very good w a house made pita chip.
Ok, service was very attentive, but, ok room to improve…
As we ordered, the house specials were from yesterday. Quote don’t pay that no mind, that was yesterday, …ok you’ve been open an hour and a half, update already.
Food came out separate, wife first, almost three quarters done before mine showed up. I heard the cook yell, why all this food sitting here? Older server said she had a million things going on…
A good place. I say give it a try, act like your granny is making you lunch. Another downside, only open for lunch mon thru fri. I only got to try this because I had the day off.
They did offer beer by the bottle, at 11 am, wasn’t ready.

Don’t let the outside fool you! The inside is nice and clean with a good classic diner atmosphere. I ordered the Hot Italian Hoagie with chips. The sandwich was VERY VERY good and rivaled any other good deli sandwich I’ve had from around town. Also, when you order chips and fries they cut the potatoes and fry both right there. It was awesome!