What kind of food defines Fat Cats in Tremont? That was the question posed by my curious 12-year-old before our recent visit to this Cleveland culinary institution. Opened two decades ago by Ricardo Sandoval, Fat Cats has become a beloved fixture in the Tremont neighborhood, known for its creativity and consistently impressive dishes. “Fat Cats kind of food,” was my somewhat vague reply to my daughter, hinting at the unique experience awaiting her. It’s a place that defies easy categorization, a testament to its innovative spirit. To truly understand Fat Cats, you need to experience—and more importantly, taste—it for yourself.
Interior of Fat Cats Tremont restaurant showcasing its artistic decor and warm ambiance
In a city brimming with dining options, Fat Cats Tremont stands out as exceptionally creative, interesting, and undeniably delicious. Its enduring popularity, outlasting many other Tremont eateries, speaks volumes. Defining its cuisine is a delightful challenge; it’s nouveau American with Italian hints, embraces vegetarian and vegan palates, draws global inspiration, boasts a stellar cocktail bar, and caters to meat lovers – in essence, it’s distinctly Fat Cats. All this culinary magic unfolds within a beautifully restored century-old house, adorned with sleek dark wood, vibrant local art (including the iconic giant cat painting above the bar), and offering some of the most stunning views of the downtown Cleveland skyline. Over two recent visits, the latter with my daughter and husband, I embarked on a culinary exploration of Fat Cats’ diverse menu. Every dish we sampled was a testament to their culinary prowess.
Exterior of Fat Cats Tremont, a charming century-old house in Cleveland
My initial visit was for a business lunch, prompting a more streamlined menu selection. The penne pasta with butternut squash, cream, walnuts, kale, and parmesan, finished with sage-toasted bread crumbs ($12), seemed almost too indulgent for a midday meal, rich and creamy beyond expectation. However, the portion size, consistent with Fat Cats’ thoughtful approach, was perfectly moderate for lunch.
Decadent Penne pasta dish with butternut squash, cream, walnuts, and kale at Fat Cats
The subsequent evening visit with my 12-year-old provided the opportunity to delve deeper into Fat Cats’ extensive menu. Interestingly, the penne dish from my lunch was no longer listed, a subtle indicator of Fat Cats’ commitment to menu evolution. While certain beloved classics remain, this restaurant, deeply rooted in local sourcing – evident in their menu’s acknowledgment of local farm partnerships – thrives on constant innovation. This dynamic menu is a hallmark of a truly imaginative kitchen, further highlighted by an impressively long roster of daily specials.
Fat Cats Tremont menu showcasing a variety of creative and locally-sourced dishes
To begin our family dinner experience, we explored the Happy Hour menu – a smart strategy for both value and the chance to sample a wider array of flavors through smaller plates. My husband’s choice, the sweet potato taco ($3.50), initially met with my skepticism. Featuring black beans, crema, and jalapeño, it turned out to be a revelation. Despite my usual avoidance of sweet potatoes, the taco’s masterful balance, with the rich crema and spicy jalapeño tempering the sweet potato’s inherent sweetness, was a resounding success.
Delicious Sweet Potato Taco from Fat Cats Happy Hour menu, featuring black beans, crema, and jalapeño
Equally delightful was the seasonal risotto ($3.50), infused with rich parmesan. The dinner iteration of this dish incorporates cauliflower and “Valley City fungi,” promising an even more complex flavor profile. My daughter, in particular, became a devoted fan of the creamy risotto.
Creamy and flavorful seasonal risotto appetizer at Fat Cats restaurant
Venturing into the dinner menu appetizers, we opted for the calamari ($10), a far cry from the standard marinara-side dish. These crispy, never rubbery, calamari rings were innovatively paired with slaw and a sweet chili dipping sauce, offering a unique and satisfying twist.
Unique Calamari appetizer with slaw and sweet chili dipping sauce at Fat Cats Tremont
Reflecting on past visits to Fat Cats Tremont, the butternut squash pizza ($9) appetizer remains a vivid culinary memory – a testament to their originality. Topped with red onions, kale, toasted walnuts, and chevre, the unlikely flavor combination worked harmoniously, creating a surprisingly delicious pizza. While not currently on the menu, it exemplifies Fat Cats’ adventurous approach to flavor.
Original Butternut Squash Pizza appetizer with kale, walnuts, and chevre, previously featured at Fat Cats
Showcasing Fat Cats’ talent for cultural fusion, the steamed banh bao bun ($3.50) with crispy fried tofu, pickled daikon, hoisin, jalapeño, and cilantro was another appetizer highlight. The textures and flavors melded perfectly in this delightful bite.
Steamed Banh Bao Bun with crispy fried tofu, pickled daikon, and hoisin sauce, a fusion appetizer at Fat Cats
To complement our appetizers, my husband and I sampled from Fat Cats’ cocktail menu, a spectrum ranging from classic sophistication to innovative mixes. My Aperol Spritz ($6.50 during Happy Hour) was flawlessly prepared, a consistent quality not always found in Cleveland.
Perfectly crafted Aperol Spritz cocktail from Fat Cats Happy Hour menu
His Bourbon and Bitters ($6.50 during Happy Hour) was simple yet elegant. Our daughter enjoyed her classic Shirley Temple ($3).
Elegant Bourbon and Bitters cocktail, a classic choice from Fat Cats bar
Moving to entrees, the challenge lay in narrowing down choices from the extensive options. The specials list alone featured nine starters and entrees! My daughter opted for the macaroni and cheese ($15) with Tillamook cheddar, onion, sage bread crumbs, and grape jam. Against my suggestion, she requested it without the grape jam. Having previously enjoyed this sweet-savory combination on their pizza, I knew she was missing out. However, even without the jam, the macaroni was exceptional, featuring large, perfectly al dente noodles enveloped in a rich, smooth cheddar sauce, enhanced by the delightful crunch of bread crumbs.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Tillamook cheddar and sage bread crumbs, a comforting entree at Fat Cats
My husband selected the classic fish stew ($22) with clams, mussels, shrimp, and tomato broth. The peppery broth was outstanding, complementing the plump shrimp and flaky fish perfectly. The generous portion of clams and mussels further elevated this seafood stew.
Hearty Fish Stew with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a flavorful tomato broth at Fat Cats
My entree choice was another seafood delight, the crab melt ($13) with Gruyere, lump crab meat, and tarragon, melted on buttery toasted Siciliano bread. Paired with a side of mixed greens, it leaned towards indulgence rather than health. Yet, it was undeniably delicious and utterly luscious.
Indulgent Crab Melt with Gruyere and lump crab meat on toasted Siciliano bread at Fat Cats Tremont
Indeed, our entire meal at Fat Cats Tremont was exceptional. “That’s what kind of food Fat Cats serves” – a phrase that encapsulates the restaurant’s eclectic, creative, and consistently impressive culinary offerings. For a dining experience that transcends expectations in Cleveland, Fat Cats remains a top destination.
A satisfied diner enjoying the diverse and delicious dishes at Fat Cats restaurant in Tremont, Cleveland
Fat Cat FYI
Where: 2061 W 10th Street Cleveland
Contact: 216- 579-0200
Fat Cats restaurant address sign in Tremont, Cleveland, inviting diners to experience its unique cuisine
Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday.
Prices: Appetizers, $7 – $10. Salads and soups, $6 – $16. Entrees, $12.50 – $22.
Fat Cats Tremont restaurant ambiance, showcasing its cozy and inviting dining space
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Credit cards: All major.
Kids: Children welcome, no special menu.
Pictured: Crispy fried chicken sandwich.
Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich, a kid-friendly option at Fat Cats restaurant
Cuisine: American, vegetarian, vegan.
Service: Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.
Pictured: The Penne — a fine combination of sweet sausage, green beans and marinara.
Penne pasta with sweet sausage, green beans, and marinara sauce, highlighting Fat Cats’ American cuisine
Accessibility: One step up leading into main dining room from front door. Some seating and restroom located up a few steps inside. This area is accessible without steps from side door.
Grade: ****
Updated August 2019
Fat Cats restaurant exterior at night, showcasing its inviting atmosphere in Tremont
Tofu Steamed Buns, a vegetarian appetizer option at Fat Cats Tremont
Tofu steamed buns.
The Puerto Cocktail and Mixed Greens Plate, showcasing Fat Cats’ cocktail and salad offerings
The Puerto cocktail and the mixed greens plate at Fat Cats.
Fat Cats bar area, highlighting its selection of cocktails and drinks
The Pimm’s Cup cocktail, one of Fat Cats’ rotating drink specials
The Pimm’s Cup — one of the rotating drinks available at Fat Cats.
Close-up of a beautifully plated dish at Fat Cats, emphasizing the restaurant’s attention to detail
