Fette Sau Reviews

Second visit, brought family and friends. The beef brisket and pulled pork were OK. Bland flavor. Brisket was fatter than most. We've had better taste and quality of meats at Percy Street Barbeque. Otherwise, service, ambience, side dishes were good. Half-price beer at happy hour was a deal. Too many good restaurants in Philadelphia to come back soon.

I am a BBQ lover. When I moved to Philly, I had to create my own recipe in order to get anything close to good. Over the years I've had BBQ in Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Add to that some great pit BBQ in Maryland and Florida. So hopefully that should put it in perspective when I say that this place revised some of the great BBQ I've had. Good eats. Go hungry. Note that they have very limited options for vegetarians.

Sorry Craig Laban, you just didn't get this one right...it ain't Henri's Hotts BBQ . Coupled with your review and the fact that it's a Stephen Starr restaurant...Fette Sau was a must. So, recently I joined 2 friends who are barbeque mavens. Dinner consisted of brisket, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, beans, slaw, broccoli salad, potato salad and of course beer. We are all Philadelphians, however, I spent over a year in central Georgia, 1 friend lived in St. Louis and the 3rd really does magic on a grill! Sorry to say that while nothing was outrageously poor ( the brisket was over cooked ) nothing was memorable. High prices/mediocre food=oh,oh! Atmosphere: We read reviews and knew exactly what the place was going to look like and that it was cafeteria style. It was a cold January mid week and maybe 25% filled. This was a nice fun feeling- would have hated the noise level at capacity. In the supring or summer it might be a fun place to listen to Blue Grass and run up a pricey bar tab. Staff: We were first timers and the servers were very gracious and helpful answering questions about variety, portions etc. Since I really am a novice about "craft" whiskey and even beers the bartender really was great at his trade. Descriptives such as helpful, funny, knowledgeable, playful, come to mind. He could have worked any neighborhood joint or upscale Center City bistro...the tip reflected this.

Prices are way too high for “ordinary” bar-b-que. Ordered the St. Louis ribs, brisket and chicken along with baked beans and German potato salad. The ribs were tasteless and demanded sauce of which there were no good choices. My homemade ribs are better. The brisket was tasty but somewhat fatty, chicken was delicious, baked beans were outstanding but pricy and the German potato salad was downright terrible, way too much vinegar. Also, $6 for a pint of draft beer that falls way short of a pint is out of line to sit at a picnic table.

Wonderful little venue tucked back from the street that looks every bit like a southern BBQ joint. Tables outside and inside, you just belly up to the deli counter and place your order. You can buy the smoked meats buy the pound with your sides or like us, take advantage of the great happy hour. We got the "Burnt End Sandwich" $4, a side of Broccoli Salad $4? and a Whiskey Old Fashioned ($5) from the really cool bar which sports rusty kitchen implements like a meat cleaver for handles on the beer taps. The food was very good for a nibble but you have to add some meat by the pound or another happy hour special if you want to be filled up. Awesome place. Will go again

BBQ Joints are tough to review but Fete Sau is a cut above, no pun intended. Unlike some of the other, more casual smoke houses, this is a room that almost invites lingering. It's both hip and comfortable (once you get used to the process), the caliber of the food is exceptional, and it's in a location that lends itself to continuing the evening. You know, if you have room for anything else when you're done. When they have them, the Beef ribs are spectacular. My only complaint is, that while the bar and bar menu is of equal caliber as the BBQ, it's weird to separate the billing out. I prefer waiter service, but it's a petty gripe.

All serious smokers / barbecue fans would probably agree that brisket is the toughest cut to smoke. If you don't smoke it long enough it is tough. If you smoke it too long, or with heat and smoke that are too dry, it is worse than tough. The brisket here is perfect. The pulled pork is absolutely redolent of wood smoke, and falls apart without being wet. Again, the pulled pork is perfect. I'm getting a little old (and a little fat!) to be engaging in smoked pork belly; that's basically just bacon with all the lovely fat remaining. I can certify that the ribs and the pork belly were perfect too, but I almost none of them. Baked beans with smoked burnt ends? Great. Corn bread? Great too. Limited but adequate beer selection; fantastic collection of North American whiskeys. Try to pick a week night; weekends the bar is probably packed and insanely loud.

Very good BBQ, we had Pulled Pork, Ribs and Brisket. Sides were ok, nothing great. Very casual atmosphere with picnic tables outside and long tables that you share inside. Good place for kids as it's very informal.

Fette Sau may be one of the most hipster new restaurants in Fishtown, but they also understand the basics... delicious food, large quantities, and a relaxed atmosphere. I've been to Fette Sau multiple times and have never been disappointed. Choose a few types of meat to try and also recommend purchasing a few sides. Best when shared!

Restaurant is a combination indoor /outdoor seating. When the weather is nice, we will sit outside have cocktails and watch people go by while we eat. The brisket is good , have duck as well as chicken and pulled pork with sweet or spicy bbc available at the tables. Nice beer selection-mostly local choices. You order cafeteria style and bring it to your table.

Came here on a date and it didn't disappoint. I ordered the burnt ends, sweet sausage, and cornbread--all of which was delicious! The pricing looks high at a glance, but my date recommended I ask them for "a single portion" as pricing goes by the pound. My only con is that I wish a little more food came for the price, but it was very good regardless of that one issue. Super friendly and worth a visit.

So overall the food was good but not knock your socks off good. Service was great pleasant staff and very professional. The best cuts of meat was the Short Ribs which were some of the best I ever had. As well as the brisket and the pork belly. The pulled pork was under whelming and dry. Nice beer selection with local craft beer. The St Louis Ribs good but not great. I love the seating and the bar is well stocked. The sides were very good as the baked beans and the German potato salad. I think some fine tuning on the meats would help. I will return as I thought was a fun place to go and the experience enjoyable. Prices could be more attractive for the BBQ foodies!

Last summer the hubby half of this pair went to Fette Sau on a boys night out. All the Mrs. heard for 6 months was how Fette Sau was the most awesome BBQ this side of the Mason Dixon, how she just had to go, how the brisket was so brilliant. So on a cold winter's night she drove him into town for his birthday dinner. He chewed, he weakly smiled, he went back for a second helping, but he didn't beam. Far from it. "You look a bit disappointed. Did you love it as much as last time or was it only amazing drunk and stupid with the guys?" "Yeah…I guess, so…", he mumbled. As for her take on it? Pretty good, over priced and certainly no big whoop.

Really enjoy the tater tot special. It hits the spot. The BBQ is very moist and tender. The ribs are excellent as well. The cole slaw is more tangy than usual.

Went there with a group of family and friends. Tasted almost everything on the menu and everything was soo good. We especailly liked the ribs ad the pulled pork but the brisket and sausage were also very good, The beans are exceptional and the keylime pie was also very good. Beers are half price at happy hour. In short, well worth it. Definitley will go back

We stumbled upon a diamond in the rough. I so wish I knew the man at the front name, I owe the night to him. Seating was available and quick! Try the whiskey punch, for a non drinker this was easy to drink, so I had two. The food was perfect, I don't have not one complaint or suggestion about this place. Staff was pleasant and attentive . THANK YOU

What a cool concept - so simple so delicious I cannot wait to go back! Brace yourself for a smidge of nostalgia in order a la carte lunchroom style but I think the makes the experience all the more fun! Went with my brother and mom for a low key Saturday night out when no one wanted to cook and we could smell the BBB down the block. We had the brisket and pulled pork 3/4 pound each (they guide you on how much you should order a person don't worry!) the beans, broccoli salad, mac and cheese and it all came on a huge tray for everyone to dig in and share (ie the experience!) The meats were soooo tender and juicy and flavorful for me and they have different sauces on the table with varying heats if you need a little more kick. The beans had real bacon and whatever the spices are they were so good. It was a very laid back relaxed feel the table were almost like picnic tables but bigger more spacious and comfortable. We were never rushed the waitstaff was so friendly in clearing our tables and grabbing extra drinks it was exactly what we were looking for. We had a great time and are definitely planning on going back soon!

This was our second visit to Fette Sau in fishtown in the past month and both were great. The BBQ is delicious with many varieties to fit everyones likes. The atmosphere is perfect for the food and the location. The drinks are outstanding and a great deal at happy hour which is why the place is so crowded.

This place is awesome! There were four or us in our party and not one person had a bad meal. The brisket was especially good and I recommend trying one of their many bourbon flights after the meal. The outside seating was great and we were accommodated nicely by the staff when we asked for the gas heater to be turned on.

Ordered their smoked and brine turkey for Thanksgiving and thought we would do a dry run and check out their food. Found it no problem and love the cool vibe and great atmosphere. Staff behind the counter were very helpful and friendly as it was our first time and not sure how much food to get for four (They sell most meats by the pound and sides and such separate) The pork belly was outstanding, the brisket juicy and flavorful, the sausage juicy and deviled eggs were smoky and delicious. All this was only about $60, which is what one would pay at Famous Dave's and other spots but so much better!! Do not miss the Mac and Cheese! They have a great happy hour too! So for lunch or dinner or just some good grub, the Fette Sau is not to be missed. Please open one up in L.A. soon!!!

Definitely worth the visit if you even remotely like BBQ. Shared a bunch if items (pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken drums, mac&cheese, and baked beans). Pulled pork and brisket were good. But the ribs, chicken drums and baked beans were crazy good. This is what BBQ should be and I am extremely glad we have a place like this in Philly. Atmosphere is casual and place had a great interior feel/design. Their bar is very well stocked with beers and whiskey. Wish they had a cider selection instead of one sweet one. But there are not too many places offering a selection so it's cool. They have something here for everyone and very well prepared. Enjoy.

I've eaten here 3 times already and have enjoyed everything that's been on my plate. It can be expensive if you allow yourself to eat with you eyes, but if you order an appropriate amount of food you can easily feed 2 people for $30 (not including alcohol). Get the pickles. Get the sausage. Fill in the rest on your own.

Went here second night in philly and was so glad. Good solid food. Awsome ribs - especially the beef rib. Duck nice touch. Even the sides were great - couldn't leave the mac and cheese alone. Great bbq food nice family atmosphere loved it.

Originally Fette Sau was absolutely fantastic. Last 2 times I've been there the items I get (brisket and pork ribs) have lost some flavor. I asked management and they said they stopped putting as much dry rub on because customers were complaining. It's a shame. It was the best BBQ around before they changed the recipe!

The drinks were terrible tasted close to lighter fuel. The brisket was good but I didn't love the sausage. Not sure what all the hype was about.

We really enjoyed this neighborhood BBQ. Buy meats by the pound and comfort sides, grab a drink and sit down and enjoy. Loved the short ribs and pulled pork as well as the sides of Mac & cheese and super whipped sweet potatoes with a nice zip. The atmosphere is perfect for families too.

Philadelphia finally has some good barbecue. We sampled everything on the menu and came away very pleased. As a group we were especially surprised by the sausage which turned out to be one of the best dishes (we almost skipped it). The baked beans were as good as I've ever had. We arrived during happy hour and took advantage of great prices on drinks. The staff was very friendly and I look forward to another visit.

its a little on the pricey side for BBQ BUT it is also pretty good the pulled pork was just a little dry

I had forgotten about this spot until a "foodie" friend of mine recommended it to me. Interesting place, the bar area is small only about 8 chairs, although they have a wide selection of whiskies and multiple beer choices. The food area has outside seating and a warehouse type eating area. You order your food cafeteria style and everything is sold by the pound. The ribs were delicious, a nice cut of meat charred to perfection. I also had the cold broccoli salad which was quite nice, some pulled pork, and a sausage. I also had cornbread and a roll. I went solo but the serving portions are enough for two. Its a different kind of BBQ experience, kind of trendy, hip, with a taste traditionalism! I'll be back!

You order 4-5 choices of meat by the pound along with sides, in a cafeteria style line. The St. Louis ribs are huge and meaty and the pulled pork is tasty as is the brisket. The sides, esp. baked beans and mushrooms, are the tastiest items. The bar has a great bourbon selection and some fun whiskey cocktails. You then bring your food and drinks back to your indoor or outdoor picnic tables to eat. Given the self-service, the neighborhood, and the cuisine, the prices are ridiculously high. Easily $25 per person before drinks. The flavors (other than sides) don't pop, the bar-b-que sauces are frankly bad, and prices are outlandish. Only my love of this cuisine gives it a three star rating.

As a southerner I can admit that there chicken is great and so is there key lime pie. Otherwise, the food is simply decent, especially for the price paid. Too much use of vinegar and not enough smoke. Also, the house made BBQ sauce is not good. I would rather bring store bought sauce. The ambiance is nice and for Philly, it's the best I have found. If it were in Atl or Nashville, it wouldn't crack the top 20.

Went here on a Sunday. They serve it cafeteria style, so you can see what you are ordering. Good range of barbecue, and all tastes great. Good sides. Nice atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating. You can get out quick if needed, or take your time.

I enjoyed this casual place in a converted garage or warehouse space. My visit was on a Sat afternoon. The crowd was a mix of families, couples, and friends. The barbecue is sold by the pound. Beef brisket was especially good, tender enough to melt in my mouth. Foods are served in a form that makes for good sharing. Beer, wine and drinks available but not the focal point. Fun place, friendly people.

So I am going to first say this was the most horrific nightmare EVER! I have saw that this place has southern food on the menu and was soooo excited. I called my family and we all met up here to have a great Saturday afternoon lunch. Well the staff were very friendly and I thought the drinks were a bit over priced but what the heck it is 2022 and what isn't over priced? We all ordered a variety of items off the menu so we all could try a little. The MEATS! AMAZING! I can't say anything wrong with the meats. The vegetables well I only can say I wish I had brought my own. They were the worse. Who can mess off yams and collard greens and coleslaw. I think someone went a little overboard with the vinegar. Broccoli & potato salad horrible. My daughter said she had been there when they first opened up and she said the meats were great but thought the vegetables were not on point. She went with us to give them another chance and guess what? Thumbs down on the vegetables. So my suggestion to you is Skip the drinks, BYOB at home, order the meats to go and don't even look at the vegetables is so is not worth it. Stephen Starr this is the worse southern style food I have ever heard of and I am sooooo disappointed. My mouth was watering when I saw the pics but I ended up going over to North 3rd immediately in Northern liberties and picked up some food there to fill my empty stomach. Get it together and take a trip down to Atl I understand putting you own flair on things but this as I said in the beginning was a nightmare.

This places does a few things well like BBQ chicken, brisket and beef ribs. I didn't care for the pulled pork or any of the sides for that matter. I am from the south and have had lots of BBQ in my day. The chicken here is as good as any that I have ever had, but otherwise, it's pretty average. The atmosphere is great though and being next to Septa / Frankford hall are big pluses.

I'm not much of a meat eater but the food here is so tasty. You order at the counter, they cut the meats there and weigh it on the scale and then it is served on a metal tray. Save room for the side because they are really incredible. The spicy slaw is great (tangy and mildly spicy). The potato salad is yummy and the sweet potatos make you want to jump in the tub. There is a full bar with a great selection and very impressive, knowledgable bartenders. The tables are like picinic, family style benches which is fun for a group. The decor is reclaimed, reused, recycled - very cool. There are glass garage door walls that open up when the weather is nice.

Took my second trip here this past weekend. Ordered tons of pulled pork, mac and cheese and pickles. Fun vibe, good beer. The line can be a bit long and food is a bit pricey

Don't look for linen tablecloths and fancy names here. Good and basic BBQ entrees here. Nice beverage selection. The prices reasonable.

The food here was quite good, especially the brisket, but it was also quite pricey for all the more you got. The sides were very expensive for the small dishes you received. The outside dining was nice and the staff was friendly. As a bit of a whiskey nut, I wasn't overly impressed with their selection (or, again, prices), but that's me. Overall, a good experience but I wouldn't make it a point to seek it out again.

you can see the Stephen Starr influence as soon as you enter. basically it's like the cafeteria in high school, you walk up to the counter, order your barbecue and fixings, grab a cocktail at the bar and fight for a table. barbecue was excellent, I mean spectacular. fixings were very good. rolls looked like something you'd buy at aldi. nice selection of beers bourbons, whiskeys. cool hipster vibe with the frankford hall beer garden next door. only regret is we don't have one in our hometown, I enjoyed it immensely

I came here at around 6:00pm on a Saturday. Upon walking in, the place smelled great and I was really excited to try their food. There were 6 people in line ahead of me and it took about 15 minutes to have my order taken. If the sluggish service was the only issue I think I still could have liked this place. But, I ordered a half pound of brisket, 2 beef ribs, and a side of baked beans. The bill came to $47...$47! Looking down at the tray I couldn't believe it was $47 worth of food. On top of that, the food was mediocre at best. It wasn't the worst meal I've had but it was far from the best and miles away from the price I paid. I left there feeling like I had wasted my money. The bottom line is this restaurant is in a city where there's little competition for good BBQ and it's trendy. If it was opened in another part of the country where BBQ is more common, this place would be laughed out of business. If you're hard up to overpay for mediocre BBQ in a dimly lit "hip" place then go for it. Otherwise, I'd recommend saving your money.

The bbq was perfect. All of it. Pulled pork brisket and short ribs. The sides are not my favorite but were still very good. Potato salad was good....Broccoli was so so. Mac and cheese was to my taste but others in the group thought one of the cheeses was too sharp ... I ate her part :). The overall atmosphere was incredible and the pricing is great. Definitely worth a stop!!!

This place surprised me in a number of ways. It was casual and relaxed yet had an air of sophistication to it, mainly from a high end bourbon bar. The food was really good, fresh, and great flavors. I was impressed by the attentive wait staff as well, who were efficient but also noticeably kind and courteous. Really loves this part of Philly and will return soon.

The BBQ was really good here and you can tell that they really take making the BBQ seriously. It was not cheap, especially for BBQ, but it was really good. We got the burnt end sandwich, and two different types of ribs. We sat at the bar and enjoyed some drinks. I had a white bourbon with lemonade which was really good. They have a bunch of beers on tap and even do growlers. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the decor was super cool.

This place is heaven for all those who love BBQ. I mean there's meat choices with sides by the weight. This is definitely a carnivore's paradise. Great atmosphere with indoor and partial outdoor seating.

Had a blast, it is slightly expensive but it is worth it. Pulled pork and brisket were amazing. Ribs were okay. But to be honest I'm not a huge fan of ribs.

They have an amazing happy hour selection- both for food and drinks. Very reasonably priced. There's in-door and out-door seating. A fun place to go with friends.

Completely different experience with great food and great atmosphere!!! Food is excellent!!! Every time that I bring some members of the family the experience has been unbelievable.

I love me some BBQ!! Any southern food is the best!! I was once in Memphis and I saw the gold toilet Elvis Presley died on!! What that has to do with this restaurant is beyond me!! I got some pulled pork on a roll!! It was very very tasty!! I heard a southern chef once went to the doctor and complained that he had pulled his pork (instead of pulling a muscle) and then the doctor looked at him like he was crazy!! Anyway it tasted very good and I enjoyed eating it!! Y'all should come here!!

The beef brisket is good and very tender. It does have a lot of fat and I prefer a more smoky flavor, but as far as Philadelphia brisket BBQ goes, this is good. The food is served by the pound, so your tab can add up quickly! There are large tables, so great for a crowd. The atmosphere is very warm and pleasant with southern music and the doors open up with a great outdoor patio that promotes just sitting out and relaxing just like the south!

So great to not have to decide between shredded pork or brisket ends for my lunch. Instead, I just ordered a 1/4 pound of each, while my husband ordered 2 pork ribs and brisket - brilliant concept! Everything served on brown paper on a tray, so if you order the wrong amount, you can pick at your family/friends' food. Bon appetit.

The brisket and ribs were pretty delicious but the sides were nasty, especially the over lemoned broccoli (yuck). The place is very casual and relaxed, and we could imagine it would be fab with a big group of friends. Staff were very friendly too.

Brisket, ribs, pork belly, pulled pork and the list goes on. Each one of these delicious pieces of meat is worth trying but go heavy on the pork belly. It's tah-dieeeee for! Don't forget to add the burnt end baked beans, sauerkraut and brocolli salad. If you're there for brunch be sure to wash it down with a Bloody Mary fit to size in a mason jar. Too many options? Just ask the dude behind the counter. You can't go wrong.

Fette Sau - Fishtown. It's a bit more expensive than the average BBQ lunch, especially for a cafeteria style service, but the quality of the ingredients, and the execution of the preparation make up for it. Started out with a 1/2 lb. of Niman Ranch Prime brisket, 1/4 lb. of pulled Duroc pork, 1/4 lb. of Duroc pork belly, one extremely meaty Short Rib, and a large side each of burnt end baked beans and mashed sweet potatoes. Also ordered a couple of half sour pickles to cut the richness. 4 Hawaiian rolls were included gratis. This PROBABLY could have satisfied my family of four, including a 6' 5" son. However, we did end up ordering an extra half pound of the brisket (the favorite) which was satisfyingly over the top. Nothing was less than delicious. Service was efficient and friendly (we went during a snowstorm so it wasn't too busy.) Still had to park three blocks away. Welcome to newly gentrified Fishtown. Atmosphere (like the food) was typically Steven Starr. High end Epcot Center replica of whatever theme is applied. With the exception of the high end drinks, and heritage ingredients, you could be in any god forsaken dusty town forty minutes outside Austin. He's that good. I hate to admit really enjoying ersatz anything but this guy does fake better than anyone. I have to applaud him

Had an early dinner on a Sunday night. Expected a sit down restaurant, instead it was like a cafeteria. They left the fat cap on the brisket, when complained they gave us more meat without the fat. The ribs were good. Had beans,sweat potato and mac and cheese in styrofoam containers it was ok but not worth the money!!

So-so food, snooty hipster staff, and not enough value in the food or the setting for the price. The guy at the meat counter seemed annoyed when we asked questions about the choices, and pretty much the same with the woman dishing out sides. The potato salad had way too much vinegar and the potatoes were mushy. The "hot" sides were just lukewarm. The mac and cheese was dried out. The meats were okay, nothing to write home about, and the array of sauces on the table could have come from your neighborhood grocery store shelf - ordinary, predictable, nothing that seemed original or home-made. The music blared and made table conversation almost impossible. The bright spots were the woman at the beer trough, who cheerily gave us suggestions and a couple of tastes, and the young man who cleared our table. Otherwise, there's not much here to bring us back, and there's way better barbecue elsewhere in the city for way less money.

My wife and I, her sister, husband and his mother all went to dinner at Fette Sau. This is an interesting place with table outside in a courtyard under the stars. They have ample heaters and you never feel cold in fact we turned one off. We bought a mix of all they sell like BBQ ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pulled pork. We also had baked beans, cole slaw, mushrooms and potato salad. They include the rolls at no extra cost. Everything was good, favorfully and juicy. They have a nice bar with many different beers and home grown bourbons and whiskeys. The night was fun the staff is very friendly and helpful. We'll go back to this restaurant for sure. This is a fun place to eat.

I thought this "hip" place was expensive for what one got, although the portions were large. I would not return.

The food was great here. Ordering is basically ala cart, meat is ordered by the 1/2 lb. There is a nice section of sides. The mac and cheese and deviled eggs didn't disappoint. There was a nice whiskey selection. The ambience had a fun vibe. The only down side is that's a bit pricey. It's ok for a date, or a night out. It's not an every day place.

We really enjoyed Fette Sau and the restaurant was pretty different from any other we'd been to. You stand in line to order and then they seat you with your tray of meat and side options that you've chosen. So it's a sit down, nice restaurant but with a streamlined style of ordering. Good variety of sides for all preferences and also a good range of meats. The price did feel a bit high for the amount of meat we got (we had to add on to our order) but it was worth it. My boyfriend said it was the best ribs he's ever had! (The pork ones) The sides were also tasty and in good portion size -- even the smalls were pretty big. We went on a Saturday night around 7:30 and it was definitely crowded. They don't take reservations. We stood in line for maybe 20-25 minutes but they have their system where they're ready to seat you as soon as your order is ready. Worked great!

I am from the south and i have to admit, this is phenomenal barbq. The building is very unique, sort of like a meat market vibe. The staff are very friendly. The prices are decent. I highly recommend this place if you love barbq!!!

I should start by saying that BBQ isn't my favorite style of food and I don't eat large portions of meat. That said, I enjoyed my visit with friends at the weekend and thought, compared to other BBQ places I have been, that the food was of equal or better quality and the atmosphere was very good. My friends liked the food more than I did. I would give 3.5 stars if I could. Prices are a bit steep and you are paying for "the experience" of eating in a both a quirky, interesting venue and a location in the heart of hipster Fishtown. The same food and prices in a run-of-the-mill building and a different location probably wouldn't be nearly so popular. I have read some reviews complaining about bad/unfriendly service but my experience was the opposite. I thought the staff were helpful and friendly and went out of their way to make sure we were happy with everything. We arrived at 5:30pm on a Saturday. The place was busy but the wait in the queue for food wasn't too bad. However half an hour later the queue looked quite long and the place started to really fill up. The weather was mild the day we were there so the entrance to the food/bar area was wide open. If the doors had been shut and the place busier, I think the noise level would have been too much for comfort. As it was, the atmosphere was lively and pleasant. If you really like BBQ, give it a try, otherwise there are better choices nearby.

Loved it, but this isn't your southern bbq joint that's for sure. You will be set back some dough eating here.. You order from the counter and you do so by the pound.....or half, quarter, etc. The staff does a good job ensuring you get the right amount of food for your group which is nice (but could be costly.) We had some of the brisket and pulled pork then split some of the potato salad, burnt-end baked beans, and corn on the cob. Everything was great, the brisket was nice and flavorful, although a tad more dry that I would have liked. I loved the baked beans, thick & rich. The potato salad was light and a good accompaniment to the meat. My only real issue came with the sauces as I wasn't impressed by any of them. I'll definitely return as the space has a great vibe, its a good hang alternative from Frankford Hall next door, and you can snack on some good food (even if you don't commit to a full-on meal.)

While visiting our son in Philly we to;ld him we had a yen for BBQ ribs and he told us Fette Sau had the best. They have a small menu which apparently changes. It is self srvice and you order at the counter. Meat is dry rubbed and is sold by the pound. I found this very confusing but the girl behind the counter was very helpful. We wanted the ribs and brisket and she gave us what she thought was the right amount for three people. They advertise that their meats are hormone, antibiotic and steroid free. Seating is at picnic tables and place has a country atmosphere. We were there on a Tuesday night and by the time we were ready to leave at about 7 there was a long line waiting to order. Glad we got there early since we would have held up the whole line trying to figure what and how to order. Parking in the area was difficult but found a space a short walk away.

Food is amazing. Bar service is great and helpful when choosing microbrews. You wait in line to get your food. Order your meats by weight. Go to the bar and get a growler of beer while your waiting in line. Helpful hint... This place is busy. Don't sit before you have your food and try to save a table. That's not how this place works. The turnover of people is quick. Wait until you have your food and they will help you find a seat ( communal seating). Just as awesome as the one in Brooklyn!

This place is awesome pricy BBQ. No where can eBay their brisket and Mac and cheese . I def will go back there . Order their regular rib, brisket and Mac and cheese . Not a fan of their St Luis rib

We had such a good time there. The food is delicious and tasty. The place is comfortable and kid friendly. The whisky and bourbon menu is incredible! Would definitely go back there.

A bit overpriced, across the board. The famous key lime pie is smaller than your palm and $4 per portion. Other than the happy hour options, nothing else is worth the money. I tried the key lime pie and gagged. It wreaked of smoked fat and tasted atrocious. The filling was tart and gross, there was no meringue, and the taste was that of stale smoked pig fat. This was the worst pie of my entire life, the grossest pie imaginable. I did not expect that from this place. I kind of think that the young lady ladling the food and manning the counter was high, but the service was nice.

Amazing BBQ and great setting. We brought a group of 12 in, and we all enjoyed everything we ordered. Great bar staff as well!

Food was horrible - burnt chicken, solid black on the outside, dry as a bone inside - The sausage, red cabbage, spicy sauce were so hot, they were intolerable.

This place was awesome, there was a happy hour on from 5-7 on weekdays when I visited. Pints were two for one and some of the food was on offer. The food was incredible, amazing BBQ meats and some delicious sides. But the best thing about this place is the atmosphere, really cool exposed brick work interior and heated exterior, plenty of seating and a really nice crowd. Definitely recommend. Well priced as well.

Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, sausages...what do you want? They are all here and they are all very good. Sides vary at times but are normally on par with the meat. Wide open tables, so good for groups and kids, too. Sauces are excellent. You might have to stand in line but I haven't been disappointed when it was my turn to order!

Found the Fette Sau through an internet search and it looked very interesting. Stopped by with a friend of mine for dinner. The location is a bit out of the way (center PHL) but worth the trip. The industrial decor is fantastic, reminding me of a movie set. The BBQ was excellent, probably the best both of us had. We tried the brisket and the pulled pork, with a side of mac and cheese. Everything was phenomenal. The entire experience of ordering the food cafeteria style and sitting at communal tables (there are plenty of them, in case sharing a spot is not your thing) was welcome. It seems at the Fette Sau they care about the environment and use recyclable plates. Although we didn't sample any alcohol, the bar looked interesting as well (butcher knives as handles for taps) with a nice selection of beer. Will definitely be back.

My boyfriend picked up several menu items for takeout this past Sunday. We ordered brisket, pulled pork, ribs, burnt ends baked beans, Mac and cheese, mashed sweet potatoes, 2 pieces of corn bread and two potato rolls. He also got a little container of all 4 sauces they had. We thought the food was good, but it didn’t stand out. The only memorable thing we had was the baked beans, and even so, I’d give that a 4. Overall, I felt the prices were pretty high for such small quantities, but I guess you’re paying for ambience if you visit the actual location.

Visiting daughter in Philadelphia and she insisted on taking my wife and me here. Great choice. Everything was very delicious and set in a unique environment.

Foodies... this place will not disappoint! The beef brisket is tastier and more tender than Texas BBQ I've had Dallas and Houston.

We sampled most of the menu and enjoyed it all. Because Fette Sau sells the barbeque by the pound we were able as much or as little as we desired so that we could test more items. Good whiskey and beer selections.

If you want less ambiance and good food, this is the place to go. Pick your meat by weight, brisket, short ribs on the bone, pulled pork, and more. Slide over to another counter and pick your beer. Side dishes you will discover add to the flavor of not only the meal but also the experience. A must go!

Who knew it existed. This place is legit. Meat was on point, sides were good. Good selection of locally crafted adult beverages available. Whats not to love. Also the location is pretty dope.

I am from Texas and I know my BBQ. Fette Sau has the best BBQ brisket in Philadelphia and perhaps in the entire Northeast corridor. The reason they did not get 5 stars from me is b/c their sides are a little lame, except for the BBQ beans. Service is excellent. Decor is authentic. Ambiance is comfortable. I felt at home here.

We love BBQ and decided to try out the newest BBQ restaurant in the city. "Fette sau" means "Fat Pig" in german - which they use as a curse word in Germany (I grew up in Germany), so not sure, why they would use that as the restaurant name. However, there weren't much german specialities on the menu - even the "German potato salad" wasn't done german-style. You stay in line, pick the meat and sides you want, while they weigh and put everything on a platter - cafeteria style. We picked 5-6 different meats , the german potato salad the "burnt end baked beans". The german potato salad tasted weird, but the the baked beans were delicious! We also loved the chicken and the Brisket. The pulled pork was dry and tasteless though. Service was quick and friendly. Will we go back and drive to Fishtown neighborhood to eat here again? Not so sure. the meat wasn't extra-ordinary and way too pricey. There are other cheaper and better BBQ places in the city. Btw: I picked the "Mexican Coca-cola" as a drink, which is just a regular Coke in the bottle. Not sure, why they had to call it "Mexican Coca-cola" - maybe so they can up the price for it?

I went with a group of friends for the first time this weekend. I loved the unique and eclectic atomisphere. I felt like I was out of the city. The bar had a great selection of craft brews, whiskeys, and cocktails. I am a huge brisket fan and it did not disappoint. I loved the bark especially. I did try the pulled pork which was tender and I loved the flavor of the hot sausage. The mac and cheese was delicious but watch out for the hot peppers mixed in. I also loved the baked beans with hunks of pulled pork in the sauce. The potato salad was different from others but also very good. The food was worth the 30 minutes we stood in line to order. My only suggestion would be to offer corn bread or hush puppies instead of plain dinner rolls. On a side note, very pleased with the cleanliness of the bathrooms! We will definitely be returning this summer.

Sorry but Mac and Cheese had an awful taste; cornbread were served cold and ribs were no say. $121 Steven Starr. Will never return. We are heading right back to Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse for same amount of food for $48x This place was overrated; overpriced. Been there done that!!!!

The food is fine, it's northern barbecue..... You wouldn't have a cheese steak in texas, but BBQ is a little easier to do and as far as places near Philadelphia go, you can do much much worse. You order as soon as you walk in and take the food with you. The Baked beans were just short of out of this world, but everything else was just ok to a little better then ok. They do have really good happy hour specials, so if you're in a drinking mood that may offset the cost of the food. I left full, but just under $40 for BBQ for one person is waaaaaay too much IMO.

Who would have expected a great BBQ joint in the middle of Philadelphia. The place was packed and parking was tough to find but it was well worth the wait. The employees at the counter were very helpful in figuring out how much food you needed to order for yourself or a group. The ribs and pulled pork were so tender and the sides were delicious. The decor was very rustic/industrial, very cool look.

We live in NC so we approached this with some trepidation. Good choice of meat (beef, pulled pork, pork belly, sausage and others). Meats change daily I gather. Sides, beer, wine, liquor. Three desserts when we were there. You line up to order at the counter. Very slow service as each order is customized and negotiated. They then prepare it while you wait at the cash register and you carry it yourself to a table. Slaw was drying and not NC level. Meats were good, a bit dry. They seem to cook them unspiced and you add one of three sauces at the table: pure vinegar, spicy or sweet. All good but not quite what we find in SC or NC. Room is cavernous and dark but was quite pleasant in fact. We sat on wooden benches. Not too crises as the weather was terrible; so not too noisy. Very expensive for what you get. All in all we had a lovely evening with good BBQ. I'd say it's ok for the north but would not work on our NC neighborhood. Would go back if I wanted BBQ in Philly.

If you want REAL BBQ this is not the place for you. What they do, they do very well. But if you want even a hint of smoke in your BBQ, you will be disappointed. True BBQ must be done low and slow using wood to add a smoke component to the taste. Unfortunately it was lacking at Fette Sau. Don't get me wrong - the brisket was tender and juicy; the ribs were tasty and cooked perfectly. But if you want Q that tastes like it was cooked with hickory, apple, post oak or any other smoke wood, you will be disappointed. That said, I would go back to Fette Sau in a heartbeat. But it's Urban BBQ and that's a compromise.

I went here this past weekend. It was my first visit. It's my kind of place. Very neat atmosphere. Once you enter you are directed to what looks like an old time butcher counter. The "meats" are in the butcher case. You choose what and how much you want. It's sold by portions. You can have 1/2 lb of this or three of that. Then on a chalk board are quite a variety of tasty sides. Then a bar. Then very basic wood tables. Your meat along with sides are put on a stainless steel tray lined with butcher paper. We had pork ribs, short ribs, pulled pork and brisket. All fantastic. Our sides were mushrooms, burnt end baked beans and sauerkraut. Also excellent. The service was super. Nice people, good food and a neat place. What's not to like? If you're a fancy atmosphere, fine dining individual please stay away and leave place this to me. If you like good bbq, get there now. I will be back.

Came here on recommendation from a local cousin, group of 4 of us. Place was pretty empty for a Sunday night, but maybe that's cuz they were all watching the Pats absolutely dom the Colts. Anyways, top notch BBQ with no frills if that's what you want. They serve the food all on the same tray lined with butcher paper. The guy who took our order gave us a tasters menu of a variety of meats, and we got the potato salad with pickles as well. Not a bad beer place either. Ate on long picnic tables clustered around the hall. Plenty of room between each table :)

Not one of Stephen Starr's best places. The brisket was fatty, poorly trimmed because the chef was too rushed to serve the folks in line. The chicken was very good however. The pork belly, pulled pork, and St. Louis ribs were average. They only use red and white oak and there were no smoke rings on the ribs. Flavor was below average with little dry rub on the meats. Sauces were tasty but nothing that would compensate for the poorly smoked meats. I am a bbq food judge and I would not return here.

I thought the baked beans were the best thing on the menu for sure and we tried almost everything on the menu. Cons-It’s easy to build an expensive meal... I’m finding the quality lacking lately at starr restaurants and experienced the same here. Food was barely warmed through and not as flavorful as I expected. Ordered half pound pulled pork but half of it was all fat, and not the kind you eat. Pros-There was tons of flavor in the burnt end baked beans. that sauce should be bottled up and on the tables!!! Enjoyed the ambience as well and it’s bigger than expected. Cocktails were well crafted and tasted great. Maybe I’d check out happy hour...

I love this place. it is pricy but it not overly priced. you get the meat by pound , this place has a cool setting. they give you a big tray and eveyrbody eats from same tray at your table. WORTH TRY for sure

2nd year celebrating 27 yr son's birthday....he loves the place/we do too. Short drive from SJ. We found parking on the street Saturday night (no problem). Enjoyed several flights of whiskey and growlers of beer (14 of us). Place was busy and packed/good looking young crowd. Service great. Food wonderful. Everything tastes great! Wife and I will be back w/wo kids.

Always enjoyable - especially during their awesome happy hour. Good service - during super busy times, they help you navigate the line and finding seats for your entire party. Wonderful food - would recommend just about everything they serve especially the brisket, beef ribs, pork belly, and pulled pork. I also highly enjoy their deviled eggs and smoked chicken legs. The broccoli salad is on the vinegary side - but perfectly complements the smoked meats. The only thing I'd caution against is the Peking Duck which only appears on the menu on the weekend and that's because I happen to like authentic Peking duck. Otherwise, have fun ordering anything. It's all good.

The ambiance of Fette Sau was fantastic. Walking in you feel like you are someplace cool, and the aromas really help build the anticipation while you stand in line to place your order. As a lover of all barbecue, and a former resident of Kansas City I can say that the food is good, but a long way from great. The counter staff was helpful and fun, and the meats were tender and tasty if pricey, but the sauces were a "C+/B-" at best. The vinegar sauce wasn't nearly as good as those in the Carolinas, and the tomato based one paled in comparison to those in Texas, Memphis or Kansas City. The burnt ends baked beans looked great, but the ends in my cup were more burnt than ends, and left me looking forward to a trip back to Kansas City for Jack Stack's finest.

One of the best places to eat in Philly if you are looking for good food (mainly BBQ like). However, the staff could be nicer. First time I go there and I say to the lady in the counter "so, my first time here. What would you recommend, any suggestion?". And I just got back the most boring "well, the specials are..." and she just reads me the list... After that I go to the bar to ask for two beers: I ask an IPA for me and say "my wife doesn't like that much draft beer, what is the most close to a normal/standard beer you have?" and the guy just laughs in my face and answers "what the hell is a normal beer?". I didn't like the snobbish attitudes and I think it was pretty clear what kind of advise I was seeking... But well, I guess you cannot have it all and the food was indeed great!

Obviously, the restaurant had nothing to do with the weather but the fact that is was so nice out added to the overall experience. Restaurant has a good amount of outdoor seating and even the covered seating has an open feel to it. Great ambiance and good location but parking can be challenging. The wait staff was great and there are many interesting drinks available. Now to the food. We had pulled pork, brisket, short ribs, and pork belly. All the meats were very good but my fave was the pork belly which was delicious. I'll try the duck next time but it comes in 1/2 bird increments. The sides varied between okay and very good with the beans and broccoli salad and potato salad being my favorite.

Our group got the brisket and pork ribs, mac n cheese and potato salad. The ribs had a nice char on them but could have been a little bit more tender. The brisket was surprisingly good to be in Philly. It was tender and juicy and the fat was very tasty. The mac n cheese and the potato salad were okay but not outstanding. The setting was really nice and welcoming. The staff were average.

Our first visit! We stopped in after going tot he Beer garden next door. We wanted to try the smoked meat. GET THE BRISKET!! Succulent... smokey... juicy... smokey... worth every penny!! Chicken legs were ok and the pork was a little dry. Get a cold bourbon to go with the food too! The sides were ok... Can't wait to go back!!

You never know what to expect when it comes to eating at places like this. For example, the food is either dry and old, cold, tough, alright, or great. Well this place is great. First, the people who work behind the counter have a great attitude which is important in customer service. They usually make the first and biggest impression off the bat. Second, the selection was varied instead of just a few items to pick from. Third, the atmosphere was spacious and relaxing. Last of all the food we ordered was tasty. I ordered a 1/4 lb of brisket and the hot sausage along with the burnt end beans and potato salad. The meat was tender and flavorful. The beans were great, but the potato salad was alright. My wife got about a 1/4 lb of ribs which came out to like 4 ribs and she really enjoyed them along with her roasted corn on the side. The only thing was the roasted zucchini was good, but she said two pieces tasted gritty like dirt because they weren't washed thoroughly enough. Overall good experience and would definitely recommend this place for someone looking for a southern bbq experience.

If I was writing this review relative to the hype this restaurant gets, I would give it a 3-star rating. The meat and sauce here were good, sides not so great. It is a fine BBQ restaurant. It is a not a great BBQ restaurant. I was with two friends and that was the shared opinion. You will wait in line, said line will move slowly, but the staff are friendly. The place is crowded, especially on a weekend. I don't regret going but I probably don't need to return.

Good BBQ. They always have brisket ad pulled pork which is really good. The burnt beans side has the leftover end pieces and sauce from the bbq and it is great. They add extra sides and types of meat on the weekends. Check their website for specials.

The night I went here I was venturing further afield than my hotel than I thought I would, and I almost turned around when I got off the subway and was greeted with what could only be called a decayed and worn out city block. However, I got past that and walked the 2 blocks to the restaurant and it was well worth the trip! I talked to the man at the buffet and he pointed out the things I could not have that contained gluten. Disappointingly (and this is why its 4 stars instead of 5) all of the regular barbecue sauces are off limits because they put beer in them. However, I'm a fan of smoked meat and general so I didn't let that dissuade me. I ordered some pulled pork, some St. Louis ribs, and some brisket along with the broccoli salad, potato salad and their special pickles. The star of the show was the brisket and ribs. The brisket was melt in your mouth tender and the ribs were nice and meaty and not those kind of ribs you get in a restaurant where you get one little piece of meat off of them. The rub was subtle but it was there and the smoke ring was nice and pink and existed. Most importantly, despite common perception, the meat did NOT fall off the bones of the ribs (they're generally overdone at that point). The low point was the pulled pork; it tasted like it had sat in the warmer for too long and dried out. The flavor was there, but I wouldn't recommend the pulled pork. The sides were good, the potato salad was a different kind of take on german vinegar based potato salad and the broccoli salad was good. The pickles were... odd. Thats the best way I can put it, since they aren't the usual pickles and weren't brined in vinegar. I think they're an acquired taste. I loved the ambience, and the picnic table aspect. It just felt very comfortable and fitting to me on a warm spring night. I had an excellent meal here and would recommend this to any celiac willing to venture out and have something different. They should make at least one type of actual BBQ sauce that is gluten free though, that would make it 5 stars.

The meat and drinks here are fabulous. Very casual, fun atmosphere. High class hipster hang out. They have lots of whiskey and bourbon drinks, as well as local beers and other selections. The meat is served with sauces, but it totally stands on its own. Barbecue meets whiskey bar meets five star restaurant meets a warehouse.

A great spot for great BBQ, staining your shirt and shorts, and a cool atmosphere. The BBQ brisket was pretty good, although a little fatty. The cornbread was delicious, and the mac and cheese was good as well.

If your in the mood for excellent barbecue this is the place! It is off the beaten path so you have to look hard to find but it is great! The people who work here were very helpful in directing you to different types of pork, beef or ribs! Great beer selection also!

Went to Fette Sau on a recent rainy Saturday with friends and loved it! We had our pick of seats since it wasn't very crowded, and we loved sitting on the rocking chairs on the front porch of the restaurant. Their beer list wasn't expansive, but they had Lagunitas IPA (our fav) that you could buy by the growler, which was cool. The guys in our group loved the whiskey flights and commented on how expansive their selection was. The food was awesome. For about $80, we got enough pulled pork, pork belly, beef brisket, mac 'n cheese, potato salad, and baked beans for 6 people. I'd definitely go back again.

Great food, friendly service, excellent beer on tap. Casual indoor/outdoor seating. The brisket was particularly good.

Recommended by my Airbnb host and almost didn’t go because I had to take a ride there deliberately. But man, was I surprised by the food and atmosphere of the place! I’m not an expert of American BBQ but if it’s this good, I should plan a trip South! Strongly recommend the chicken - super smoky - and the brisket - so tender! The outdoor seating area was very nice and it’s a nice place to eat even if you’re solo like me!

A long awaited date night took us to Fette Sau, wanting casual atmosphere and great food, we got it! Amazing chicken, St. Louis ribs, pork belly to die for(first time trying this). Manager and bartenders were super friendly, showed us the ropes with the whiskeys, I preferred the beers. Bathrooms were clean (major peeve of mine). All in all I give it 5 stars, and we will go back with the kids.

We went to Fette Sau on Saturday night. It is in a cool neighborhood. There was a line to get in because its so popular. Right away you notice the cool exposed brick walls outside the restaurant lined with picnic tables and a heat lamp for each table. The entrance is a quaint front porch and the interior is industrial. The smell is amazing. The room is buzzing with happy people of all ages. The menu offers beef brisket, ribs, beef short ribs, pulled pork, chorizo and all the side dishes you would expect at a great BBQ restaurant. They have tons of beers, cocktails and cider. My favorite meat was the ribs. Honestly, they needed none of the sauces offered at each table. It went great with the red slaw. The corn bread muffin went perfect with the dry cider on tap. John, the owner or manager who took care of us was an absolute doll. I can't wait to go back to Fette Sau!

Went to Fette Sau with friends. The beef brisket is the best I've ever eaten! You pay by weight, but it is well worth it. They added a new side, jalapeno macaroni and cheese. It was delicious! Great whiskey and beer too! This was my fourth time here and I will continue to invite new people. I've yet to bring someone who didn't rave about the restaurant.

Fette Sau offers the meatiest ribs you will find anywhere and they are juicy. I favor dry rubbed meat instead of drowning it in sauce and Fette Sau scores well on that. On the downside the dry rub was relatively bland. And I didn't care for the cafeteria approach to serving. I especially didn't like having to line up at the bar for a beer after having waited in the food line. I recommend sending a friend to order drinks while you are ordering food. Lastly the food is pricey. In the midwest my favorite rib place charges $12.95 for half a rack, two sides, and a basket of rolls and cornbread with butter and jalapeño jelly. Two short ribs, half a rack of pork ribs, four sides, and two soft dinner rolls was $67 at Fette Sau!!

If you love barbecue, you have got to try Fette Sau!! We had the St Louis ribs and they were excellent. I tried the broccoli slaw and sweet potato mash and both were very good. My only regret is that I don’t live near there so I can try all the other meats they have. And a big plus is that the staff is very friendly. Can’t wait to visit again!

Very good meat and sides, but too crowded on weekends and music way too loud.. Can't hear out what my friends were saying..

Loved the Fette Sau! A really nice venue that is very family friendly. The BBQ was outrageous and the beer was fantastic. Don't forget to check out the beer taps on the backside of the bar!

Went on a Monday evening. No wait. We had ribs, brisket, and burnt end sandwich. All were very good but a very smokey taste. Brisket and burnt end sandwich were fall apart tender. Ribs weren't falling off the bone but good none the less. I've had better but probably because I make trips to Memphis, St. Louis, Kansas City just for BBQ!

Really good bbq and the sides are decent. It is very noisy inside as there are no soft surfaces and the music is loud. Conversation is next to impossible.

Pulled pork and BBQ beans are excellent, brisket nice and juicy, hot italian sausage really is hot. The only thing light is the Key Lime Pie. Room for improvement on the sauces (vinegar and spicy could use a kick) and the selection of merchandise (with a name like this, "Fette Sau" could generate a serious cult following...), beerlist a bit short for Philly standards. All in all a very full-filling dining experience, highly recommendable!

Had dinner on a Saturday night about 5:30....any later and we may have had to wait for a seat! You order your meal at the register and then carry the tray to a table. Get your own water and silverware. I recommend eating family style so you can taste a wider variety. The brisket, sausages and chicken were very good. Sauces at your table. I did not care for the baked beans...I am used to them being sweeter and less vinegary. German potato salad was good served cold and a vinegar dressing. They also had duck, but we did not try it. Smoked deviled eggs were good. They do have a bar in addition to some old fashioned non alcoholic drinks. We fed four for about $75 so pretty reasonable for what we got. They also had outdoor seating with heat lamps.

Fantastic brisket, ribs and pork accompanied by some excellent sides options (I highly recommend the sweet potato!!) - great beers on tap and fantastic music choice make this my favourite Fishtown dining experience!!!!