Fat Cats in Cleveland’s vibrant Tremont neighborhood has been a culinary institution for over two decades. When asked about the cuisine at Fat Cats before a recent visit, the answer wasn’t simple. It’s not just one type of food; it’s an experience. This restaurant, the brainchild of Ricardo Sandoval, has consistently impressed, outlasting many in Cleveland’s competitive dining scene with its unique and ever-evolving approach to food. To truly understand Fat Cats, you have to taste it for yourself.
Fat Cats isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to creative and inspired dining in Cleveland. Its enduring popularity in Tremont speaks volumes. Describing Fat Cats is like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. It’s nouveau American with Italian hints, a haven for vegetarians and vegans, globally inspired, boasting a stellar cocktail bar, and yes, it caters to meat lovers too. In essence, it’s uniquely Fat Cats. All of this culinary artistry unfolds within a beautifully restored century-old house. The interior features sleek, dark wood, vibrant local art – including an unmissable giant cat painting above the bar – and some of the most captivating views of the downtown Cleveland skyline. Two recent dining experiences offered a comprehensive taste of Fat Cats’ diverse menu, and neither visit disappointed.
Lunch at Fat Cats: Decadence and Delight
A midday business lunch provided a glimpse into Fat Cats’ simpler yet equally satisfying side. The penne pasta, tossed with butternut squash, cream, walnuts, kale, and parmesan, and finished with sage-toasted bread crumbs ($12), felt indulgently rich for a lunch choice. However, the portion size, typical of Fat Cats, was perfectly modest, allowing for a delightful experience without being overly heavy.
Dinner at Fat Cats: Exploring the Expansive Menu
Returning for dinner offered the opportunity to delve deeper into Fat Cats’ extensive and ever-changing menu. It was noted that the previously enjoyed penne dish was already off the menu, underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and innovation. While some classic dishes remain staples, Fat Cats prides itself on a menu that is constantly updated, reflecting its dedication to locally sourced ingredients – they even acknowledge their partner local farms directly on the menu. This dynamic approach is a hallmark of a truly inventive kitchen, further evidenced by the impressively long list of daily specials.
Happy Hour Delights and Appetizer Adventures
To start the evening, sampling the Happy Hour menu proved to be both economical and a fantastic way to explore a variety of flavors. The smaller portions were perfect for sharing and ordering multiple items. The sweet-potato taco ($3.50), initially met with some skepticism, turned out to be a revelation. The inherent sweetness of the sweet potato was beautifully balanced by the creamy crema and a spicy jalapeño kick – a surprising and successful combination.
The seasonal risotto ($3.50), rich with parmesan, was equally delightful. A dinner portion of this dish includes cauliflower and “Valley City fungi,” adding further depth. The risotto was a particular hit, demonstrating the comforting yet sophisticated nature of Fat Cats’ offerings.
Moving to the dinner menu appetizers, the calamari ($10) was a far cry from the standard fried calamari. Crispy, not rubbery, rings of calamari were topped with a fresh slaw and paired with a sweet chili dipping sauce, presenting an innovative and delicious twist on a classic.
Past visits had included the memorable butternut squash pizza ($9), featuring red onions, kale, toasted walnuts, and chevre. Despite the seemingly unconventional combination, the flavors harmonized beautifully. While not currently on the menu, it’s a testament to the restaurant’s willingness to experiment and create unexpected culinary triumphs.
Further showcasing Fat Cats’ global influences, the steamed banh bao buns ($3.50) filled with crispy fried tofu, pickled daikon, hoisin, jalapeño, and cilantro were a standout. This appetizer perfectly exemplified the restaurant’s skill in blending diverse culinary traditions.
Cocktails and Beverages
Complementing the appetizers, the cocktail menu at Fat Cats is equally impressive, ranging from classic, sophisticated drinks to inventive new concoctions. The Aperol Spritz ($6.50 during Happy Hour) was expertly made, a notable achievement in a city where cocktail quality can sometimes be inconsistent. The Bourbon and Bitters ($6.50 during Happy Hour) was simple yet refined. Even a Shirley Temple ($3), a non-alcoholic classic, was perfectly prepared.
Entrees: Classic and Creative Choices
The entree selection at Fat Cats offered a spectrum from familiar favorites to more adventurous dishes. The specials list alone featured an impressive nine starters and entrees, making the decision process delightfully challenging. Macaroni and cheese ($15) with Tillamook cheddar, onion, sage bread crumbs, and grape jam was chosen. While the grape jam was requested on the side (contrary to recommendation), even without it, the macaroni was exceptional. Large, perfectly cooked noodles were enveloped in a rich, smooth cheddar sauce, enhanced by the crunchy bread crumb topping.
The fish stew ($22), brimming with clams, mussels, shrimp, and a flavorful tomato broth, was another excellent choice. The peppery broth was superb over the generous portions of plump shrimp and flaky fish, and the stew was packed with clams and mussels.
Opting for another seafood dish, the crab melt ($13) with Gruyere, lump crab meat, and tarragon on buttery toasted Siciliano bread, was undeniably indulgent, even with a side of mixed greens. It was rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Ultimately, the entire meal at Fat Cats was a resounding success. It’s a place that consistently delivers delicious, creative, and memorable food. That truly encapsulates the essence of what Fat Cats in Cleveland offers.
Fat Cat FYI
Location: 2061 W 10th Street Cleveland
Contact: 216- 579-0200
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11 AM – Midnight
- Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Price Range:
- Appetizers: $7 – $10
- Salads & Soups: $6 – $16
- Entrees: $12.50 – $22
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Payment: Major credit cards accepted
Family Friendliness: Children welcome, no dedicated kids’ menu.
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian, Vegan
Service: Friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient
Accessibility: Step at the front entrance, accessible seating and restroom via side door.
Rating: ★★★★ (Updated August 2019)
