Dang GOOOOOD!!
Man ... I sure hope this place survives the curse of the location! They serve some goooood smoked bar-b-q!!

This is the place put on the point that has gone through lots of other owners and restaurant types from clam chowder to Mexican food to yuppie cuisine. The booths still carry the Mexican decoration and the decorations are campy but fun. We sat back in the area that used to be the bar. While they still serve bottled beer, the bar is just a busing station now. However, the view over the creek was great. There are hedges of giant blackberries growing just a few feet from the window and the creek runs by to the bay. We were told that a family of raccoons regularly treks up to the outside deck in the evenings to see what the patrons have dropped that didn't get swept up. However, this place was so clean, I don't think the raccoons get much of anything.

We started out with the hush puppies and ordered tartar sauce to go with them just like we have gotten in New Orleans. I have to say, they were better than Ralph & Cacoo's!

Then the dinner came. This is some of the best smoked meats that I have had outside of Texas. I had ribs that were almost black with the smoke, yet still tender and juicy. My wife had the pork and beef combo and both were succulent and had just the right amount of smoke and sauce. You get some sides with the dinner and I just had to try the deep fried corn on the cob .... yeah you read right. DEEP FRIED! I was amazed! The frying gave the outer bit of the kernel a slightly candied appearance and taste while the inside was cooked to perfection. Being sealed kernels, they didn't take on any grease what so ever! In fact, they tasted a lot like taking boiled corn and then putting it on the grill. My wife got the sweet and smoke beans while I got the hot ones which were just a bit too hot for me and way too hot for her.

We topped it all off with the worlds best pie ... a combination of black berry, raspberry, rhubarb strawberry and apple.

They put coupons in Valpak for a few bucks off, but the food is worth the visit even without the coupon.    [06 Aug 2006 23:45:34]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: pulled pork, hushpuppies, anything smoked!

     ­RayC   

Rubbery Chicken is not Southern!
I am sad to say that this place doesn't deserve to refer its food as being southern. Those of you that have REAL southern food can agree that if you have BBQ chicken you should be able to cut it with a fork. This was not the case.

The waitress seats us and comes back with a plate of corn bread. It was cold but to our surprise it was a very good sweet cornbread that reminded me of home, Louisiana.

She returns shortly with our drinks and recommends the family special. A mixture of just about every meat that is offered. We ordered individual plates since we didn't want a little of everything.

While we are waiting for our food we pass the time playing dice games that are provided on every table.

The food shows up quickly. It only took around 10 minutes to get it. Everything smells good and looks somewhat appetizing but little did we know that it was only a mirage.

I had the BBQ Pulled Chicken dinner. I eagerly place some in my mouth and was totally surprised. It had a real good BBQ taste but the chicken was dry, stringy and rubbery. The BBQ sauce was very tangy and contains a lot of vinegar. The spicy baked beans were spicy but lacked flavor. It tasted like they dumped Dave's Insanity Sauce in the pot and that is all that you tasted. I am from the south and like spicy foods but this was overwhelming.

My wife had the BBQ beef dinner plate and offered me a taste. What do you know, it was cafeteria grade roast beef that had been placed on a BBQ pit and had BBQ sauce poured on top. The only dish that I somewhat liked was the BBQ pork that my son had but it was dry, also.

The price was reasonable. Five of us ate for under $70.

We left the place after paying for the ambiance, which was pleasant, but swear to never go there again. When we got home we were still hungry since everyone left more than half the food on their plates and had a nice refreshing bowl of cereal.

It has been 13 hours since I ate there and the taste is still lingering on my tongue after two meals and brushing my teeth twice.

Pure disappointment!    [12 Jan 2007 11:26:41]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: The cornbread

     ­Bobby Broussard   subdog4life at aol dot com

Cafeteria Grade Beef?? I think not!!
After reading the most recent blog post review on the Fat Rascals BBQ I took it upon myself to see for myself the "pure disappointment" of this restaurant that I have heard so many good things about.

I took my wife and three kids there the day after the last post. Surprisingly, I was NOT disappointed. I'm surprised by the comment about the BBQ beef. I'm not sure what cafeteria this guy has been to, but that was the best BBQ beef I have tasted in years.

I can say he was right about the cornbread about it being cold, but was still delicious. The pork, was moist and delicious also.

I live down the road from the restaurant and I pass the owners every morning on my way to work at 6am. They are there smoking food all day and half the night.

My family and I had a great experience there and will be visiting that establishment for years to come.

The service was great in their family setting. The dice is a nice touch even though it does not take long to get your food. The pies are delicious and a real addition to their menu. Our server was attentive to our every need and made excellent suggestions from the menu. We have two small children who loved the treasure box. A nice touch. Way to go Fat Rascals. You really captured us. A great experience.    [28 Jan 2007 17:38:22]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Pulled Pork, St Louis Ribs, Hush puppies, Cornbread

     ­A Fat Rascals Fanatic   

Awesome
My husband and I have been to Fat Rascal's a few times now and each visit left us with the thought we can't wait to come back!

Our most recent visit was to celebrate our 3rd Anniversary and since we are both lovers of good ole BBQ, we thought what could be a better place to go and have a delicious meal.

We ordered the St. Louis Ribs with the Sweet & Smoky Beans. Absolutely delicious....meat falling off the bone with a wonderful smoky flavor ... Beans that we can't get enough of (old family recipe) Sweet and Smoky for sure!!

Our very helpful waitress suggested their Sweet Potato Puffs to start our meal. Oh my!! So light and delicious, hot and sweet ... these are dessert!!

We have enjoyed each and every visit to this wonderful, local restaurant. We particularly enjoyed a weekend visit when Fat Rascal's showcases Smoked Prime Rib. Tender and flavorful with a smoke ring 1/2" into the meat!

We have been to other BBQ restaurants but nothing compares to Fat Rascals. Come and experience Fat Rascal's for yourself. You will NOT be disappointed!    [13 Feb 2007 17:51:15]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: St. Louis Ribs, Smoked Prime Rib, Sweet Potato Puffs, Sweet & Smokey Beans

     ­Sherry   

Best BBQ Around These Parts
My family and I have eaten at Fat Rascals as well as other so called BBQ restaurants in the area. Fat Rascals is by far the best. I have had their Prime Rib a couple of times and the flavor is awesome. I have also tried the pulled pork and beef brisket which are very good and very tasty. I have not tried the chicken yet, but I am told by my wife and other family members that it is as good as it gets for good BBQ. The side dishes are a good compliment to the BBQ entrees (Beans, Deep fried Corn on the cob, Mac & Cheese, Cole slaw etc...). I to hope that Fat Rascals survives the "Curse" at this location and is around for more wonderful meals for me and my family as well as others.    [01 Jul 2007 13:43:39]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Prime Rib

     ­S.Buswell   

Mouth Watering Good
I recommend this place to everyone that enjoys smoked BBQ, Sweet Tea, and even those who are not huge fans. This place brings me back to when I visited family in the south. There sweet tea is just like they make it in the south. I brag about this place to all my friends and bring them here when I can. I also recommended it to visitors to the area. I have a few friends that don't like smoke barbecue but just love the food here.
The staff here gets busy but its worth the wait. They do there best to make everyone feel like apart of the family.    [31 Aug 2007 10:58:35]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Prime Rib, Corn Bread, Spicy Beans, Corn

     ­Gloria   

It's Only OK
After having eaten at Fat Rascals several times, I am not impressed. Being from Louisiana, I know what good barbecue is. Just because it's hot, sweet, or spicy doesn't make it southern or good. The corn bread crumbles easily and is cold. The potato salad is not made in house. The smoked sausage is nothing more than a garden variety hot dog. The beef and pulled pork is the best item on the menu and it is full of fat. All in all, not a pleasant dining experience.    [28 Oct 2007 20:05:34]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Leeanne   cissymae1951 at yahoo dot com

Great Place to Eat and Be With Family
We are regulars at Fat Rascal's in Port Orchard. It is a family business and the staff are extended family.

The food is fantastic, the servers are pleasant, and customers enjoy sharing stories about their favorite dishes.

Their smoked prime rib is outstanding.
Our thanks to the staff for a wonderful adventure at every visit.    [21 Nov 2007 21:48:03]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Smoked Prime Rib

     ­Anonymous   

We always waddle out the door!!
Every time that we go to this place, we joke that we know why the name is "FAT RASCALS"! It is because once you discover it, you continue to go back and get fat!! It is the best bbq that I've had in Washington!! My favorite is the pulled pork. The hush puppies are even better than the South! We always eat so much that we have to waddle out the door! Tonight, we are taking friends of ours that we've been telling about this place. Make sure that you go to the restaurant hungry.    [30 Dec 2007 12:14:46]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Ribs, pulled pork, hushpuppies, everything on the menu

     ­Anonymous   

Hushpuppies
I have had the hush puppies at Fat Rascals before and enjoyed them so on the way home last week I stopped by and ordered only those to go. There was a couple leaving as I ordered and other then that the place was empty. Imagine my surprise when I got home and opened the box and they were burned. At first I thought they were just dark brown but after tasting I realized, yes they were burned. I hope the cook is made to read this review and realizes that even a small to go order is important to cook properly.    [14 Jan 2008 19:24:48]

Food:    Service: -   Ambiance: -   Overall: 

     ­Tammy Nurmi