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The Fattened Caf. was founded by Darren and Charlene Young, a husband-and-wife team passionate about sharing Filipino flavors with their community. Charlene, a Filipino American born in Los Angeles, grew up surrounded by the flavors of her Filipino heritage, while Darren, a budding pitmaster, brought his love for barbecue into the mix. In 2018, Darren and Charlene began selling Filipino BBQ at the Cherokee Street Market—marking the birth of The Fattened Caf.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 3405 S Jefferson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118
Phone: (314) 899-0088
Website: http://thefattenedcaf.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
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Related Web Results
The Fattened Caf. – Benton Park West, St. Louis, MO
The Fattened Caf. was founded by Darren and Charlene Young, a husband-and-wife team passionate about sharing Filipino flavors with their community.
Food Menu – The Fattened Caf.
Smoked spicy chicken longganisa, ube hotdog bun, pickled red cabbage and onions, citrus mayo, BBQ sauce, garlic chips, and spring onions + choice side. Chicken …
The Fattened Caf. | St. Louis MO – Facebook
The Fattened Caf., St. Louis. 3914 likes · 52 talking about this. Your local Saint Louis Filipino BBQ cafe ❤️ Our mission is to love food but to always…
Reviews
Maya A
This place truly stole my heart. From the moment we walked in, we were met with such warmth and care—it felt less like dining out and more like being welcomed into someone’s home. The service was genuinely amazing, thoughtful, and attentive without ever feeling forced.
The food… wow. Every flavor was incredible and so beautifully done. You can taste the love and intention in every bite. The collard greens with coconut milk and spices were absolutely sublime—comforting, rich, and perfectly balanced. One of those dishes that stays with you and makes you smile just thinking about it.
What made the experience even more special were the owners themselves. They are unbelievably kind, gracious, and passionate, and it shines through in everything they do. It’s rare to find a place where the food is outstanding and the people behind it are just as wonderful.
Please, please go support this restaurant. It’s a true gem, and I can’t wait to come back. ✨
… moreThe food… wow. Every flavor was incredible and so beautifully done. You can taste the love and intention in every bite. The collard greens with coconut milk and spices were absolutely sublime—comforting, rich, and perfectly balanced. One of those dishes that stays with you and makes you smile just thinking about it.
What made the experience even more special were the owners themselves. They are unbelievably kind, gracious, and passionate, and it shines through in everything they do. It’s rare to find a place where the food is outstanding and the people behind it are just as wonderful.
Please, please go support this restaurant. It’s a true gem, and I can’t wait to come back. ✨
Jake Goldsborough
First timing having Filipino food, and this was all excellent. The BBQ beans stole the show, but everything we had was excellent. Really nice casual vibe and the owner and staff were super friendly. We’ll be back.
… moreAlissa Boehner
So happy we finally made it here and can’t wait to go again. A little confusing at first on ordering and seating. You order at the counter when you come in and find a table. The food came out very quickly and was amazing. We had read a review to try the greens and we totally agree! Get them, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend!!
… moreGeorgia T.
Absolutely delicious food! I had the Pork Belly Tocino and Ube Longdog.
The chef recommended the Ube Longdog and I promise you, it is the BEST “sausage-in-a-bun” type-meal you could ever have. As long as dietary restrictions aren’t an issue, order everything as is and don’t be picky!
If you have an open mind, palate, and wish to try something refreshing in STL, please try this place out!!!
… moreThe chef recommended the Ube Longdog and I promise you, it is the BEST “sausage-in-a-bun” type-meal you could ever have. As long as dietary restrictions aren’t an issue, order everything as is and don’t be picky!
If you have an open mind, palate, and wish to try something refreshing in STL, please try this place out!!!
K L
Had the ahi tuna and pork belly sisig and both were flavorful and delightful! The pickled red cabbage was tangy and refreshing, and the soft garlic rice added a nice layer of flavor. The tuna was fresh and light. Portion size was great! The seasoned chips came with the meal too.
They do not have alcohol yet but you can bring in your own if you want. They hope to get their license soon.
… moreThey do not have alcohol yet but you can bring in your own if you want. They hope to get their license soon.
Tepra Wells
Parking: Limited (On-Street)
Customer Service: Great
Cleanliness: Good
Quality of Food: AMAZING!
Ambiance: Family-Feel
__________
I have eaten Fattened Caf. food before, but I was never able to visit their location and eat there on site.
This was my first time going there, and I can honestly say that it was an amazing and delicious experience.
My group enjoyed the Kamayan buffet, which included an assortment of ingredients: Polish sausage, chicken, cucumbers, rice, cabbage, corn, edible flowers, and more. The BBQ Sauce is *chef’s kiss*
When your group does the Kamayan buffet, you and your group are tasked with setting the table. Setting the table looks like putting the food directly on the table, no utensils necessary.
The owner, Darren, shared some cool background knowledge about the business and the etiquette for eating the buffet.
You grab the food with your left hand and then eat with your right to maintain group sanitation.
Amazing experience! I highly recommend the buffet or just grabbing a quick bite to eat.
… moreCustomer Service: Great
Cleanliness: Good
Quality of Food: AMAZING!
Ambiance: Family-Feel
__________
I have eaten Fattened Caf. food before, but I was never able to visit their location and eat there on site.
This was my first time going there, and I can honestly say that it was an amazing and delicious experience.
My group enjoyed the Kamayan buffet, which included an assortment of ingredients: Polish sausage, chicken, cucumbers, rice, cabbage, corn, edible flowers, and more. The BBQ Sauce is *chef’s kiss*
When your group does the Kamayan buffet, you and your group are tasked with setting the table. Setting the table looks like putting the food directly on the table, no utensils necessary.
The owner, Darren, shared some cool background knowledge about the business and the etiquette for eating the buffet.
You grab the food with your left hand and then eat with your right to maintain group sanitation.
Amazing experience! I highly recommend the buffet or just grabbing a quick bite to eat.
Jim Goza
Crazy to me that this place has anything other than a perfect 5 star. Very generous portions for food that I wouldn’t bat an eye at paying 1.5-2x what I paid. I’m WELL fed from the piyangang chicken and only spent a $20 after tip. I don’t normally put too much work in trying to dismantle bone-in chicken (I typically just get what’s easy and leave the rest) but I hunted for every edible piece of the chicken thigh. It was done to perfection. Follow that up with the Ube Banana Pudding and the maple oat milk espresso drink. You won’t be disappointed.
I got to speak with both owners and they’re so genuinely in love with their business that it comes across in the fall-off-the-bone, melt in your mouth food. Every aspect of the customer service was exemplary.
The location itself has plenty of natural light and vaulted ceilings with comfortable chairs throughout, and ample parking. Also, it’s in a cool part of town with a gorgeous park nearby where you can walk off your meal.
I’m so glad I tried this place. If this is what Filipino BBQ is like, I will seek it out everywhere I go.
(A note to one of the negative reviews… it’s not “canned rice” you plebeian. It’s delightfully shaped and presented. You know, like actual work and care went into how your meal was delivered to you. Tuck your Simon Cowell-esque pretense back in your pocket. If you’d rather your rice be dumped carelessly all over your plate, give Panda Express a try. They’re probably more in tune with flavor profiles you enjoy).
… moreI got to speak with both owners and they’re so genuinely in love with their business that it comes across in the fall-off-the-bone, melt in your mouth food. Every aspect of the customer service was exemplary.
The location itself has plenty of natural light and vaulted ceilings with comfortable chairs throughout, and ample parking. Also, it’s in a cool part of town with a gorgeous park nearby where you can walk off your meal.
I’m so glad I tried this place. If this is what Filipino BBQ is like, I will seek it out everywhere I go.
(A note to one of the negative reviews… it’s not “canned rice” you plebeian. It’s delightfully shaped and presented. You know, like actual work and care went into how your meal was delivered to you. Tuck your Simon Cowell-esque pretense back in your pocket. If you’d rather your rice be dumped carelessly all over your plate, give Panda Express a try. They’re probably more in tune with flavor profiles you enjoy).
Lloyd Daniel
My mother, who is 80, mentioned she wanted to go to a good Filipino restaurant. After my sister and I did some research, we came across The Fattened Caf. From the rating and reviews we saw, we had to try it. Our family made a special trip from Kansas City to St. Louis this past Saturday just to try this place and we were NOT disappointed!
We had the Piyanggang Chicken, Chicken Adobo, Jackfruit Adobo, Pork Belly Tocino, Longganisa, collard greens, sweet BBQ beans and Ube Banana Pudding.
Not sure where to start because EEEVVVERRRRYTHING was SO good! The aromatics of it all were intoxicating. Their food presentation was on point as well. Not only does your stomach get catered to, but so do your eyes! The rice is neatly formed into a cylinder, and the colors of the Java Rice and red cabbage give your eyes a feast! The way the sauce is put on the Piyanggang chicken, it isn’t just slathered on, but mindfully applied in a zig-zag pattern.
Their Longganisa is made in-house and is deliciuos I love the spice level it has, which is complemented by its sweetness. Definitely a must try.
Each main dish was excellent, but let me tell you about the sides. The collard greens are a really unique fusion of Black and Asian cultures. What a great thought to add coconut milk to them. The sweet BBQ beans…man oh man! I don’t know what’s in them, but SOOO good. They have a really nice tang to them. I also love the spicy vinegar that they provide with their main dishes. It complements the main dish while at the same time honoring that Filipino desire for tang.
Lastly, Lola’s Ube Banana Pudding was delicious! Do NOT pass that up. Thankfully, it was not overwhelmingly sweet. Perfect level of sweetness. Such a perfect dessert to end the night.
I am not a food critic or reviewer, but I had to write this review because of how AMAZING everything was! But let it be known that I took one for the team because I made myself extremely hungry thinking about all the delicious food that was had at The Fattened Caf. (You’re welcome HAHA!). My mother is not easily impressed, but she said, “man, they know how to cook.” which is a huge compliment coming from her. I don’t know how or what in the world they are doing in the kitchen, but they have to be using magic HA HA! Seriously though, you can tell these recipes and food were made by people who are passionate about their craft. The owners, Darren and Charlene, are so down-to-earth and great to be able to chat with them. They made us feel as if we were at home among family. It didn’t feel as if we were each being served just a dish, but more so a meal cooked with love. The same feeling you get when you first walk through the doors of your parents’ or your own home, as someone is cooking a meal especially for you.
While I knew it was going to be pretty good because I had already seen the ratings and reviews prior to going, but there was a small inkling that it was just hype. I can assure you it is most certainly is NOT just hype. Do yourself a favor and make your way to The Fattened Caf.
Thank you Darren and Charlene! I wish you many many more years of success! We will definitely be back.
P. S. I meant to take pics and more video, but the food distracted me. HA!
… moreWe had the Piyanggang Chicken, Chicken Adobo, Jackfruit Adobo, Pork Belly Tocino, Longganisa, collard greens, sweet BBQ beans and Ube Banana Pudding.
Not sure where to start because EEEVVVERRRRYTHING was SO good! The aromatics of it all were intoxicating. Their food presentation was on point as well. Not only does your stomach get catered to, but so do your eyes! The rice is neatly formed into a cylinder, and the colors of the Java Rice and red cabbage give your eyes a feast! The way the sauce is put on the Piyanggang chicken, it isn’t just slathered on, but mindfully applied in a zig-zag pattern.
Their Longganisa is made in-house and is deliciuos I love the spice level it has, which is complemented by its sweetness. Definitely a must try.
Each main dish was excellent, but let me tell you about the sides. The collard greens are a really unique fusion of Black and Asian cultures. What a great thought to add coconut milk to them. The sweet BBQ beans…man oh man! I don’t know what’s in them, but SOOO good. They have a really nice tang to them. I also love the spicy vinegar that they provide with their main dishes. It complements the main dish while at the same time honoring that Filipino desire for tang.
Lastly, Lola’s Ube Banana Pudding was delicious! Do NOT pass that up. Thankfully, it was not overwhelmingly sweet. Perfect level of sweetness. Such a perfect dessert to end the night.
I am not a food critic or reviewer, but I had to write this review because of how AMAZING everything was! But let it be known that I took one for the team because I made myself extremely hungry thinking about all the delicious food that was had at The Fattened Caf. (You’re welcome HAHA!). My mother is not easily impressed, but she said, “man, they know how to cook.” which is a huge compliment coming from her. I don’t know how or what in the world they are doing in the kitchen, but they have to be using magic HA HA! Seriously though, you can tell these recipes and food were made by people who are passionate about their craft. The owners, Darren and Charlene, are so down-to-earth and great to be able to chat with them. They made us feel as if we were at home among family. It didn’t feel as if we were each being served just a dish, but more so a meal cooked with love. The same feeling you get when you first walk through the doors of your parents’ or your own home, as someone is cooking a meal especially for you.
While I knew it was going to be pretty good because I had already seen the ratings and reviews prior to going, but there was a small inkling that it was just hype. I can assure you it is most certainly is NOT just hype. Do yourself a favor and make your way to The Fattened Caf.
Thank you Darren and Charlene! I wish you many many more years of success! We will definitely be back.
P. S. I meant to take pics and more video, but the food distracted me. HA!
Billie Jo
I went outside my comfort zone when I was really hungry and I am glad I did. As soon as you walk in, you are met with a wonderful aroma of spices. I tried the recommended chicken dish that’s on the menu and it was very good. I was pleasantly surprised with it all and would highly recommend.
… moreCourtney Kennedy
We loved our meal. The staff is super friendly, such a cute space. We ended up parking in the Save A Lot next door, dint see any signs that we couldn’t, otherwise there is street parking. Can’t wait to go back to try more!
… more