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Welcome to The Fattened Caf.

Nestled in St. Louis, “The Fattened Caf.” is a gem that promises an authentic Filipino dining experience. With a warm and inviting decor, this café boasts a diverse menu where both savory and sweet flavors shine. Diners rave about the exceptional ube coffee, Piyanggang Chicken, and expertly cooked rice options. The collard greens, infused with coconut milk, are often described as unforgettable. Owner Darren’s genuine hospitality adds a personal touch, making each visit memorable. With glowing reviews and an array of vegetarian options, The Fattened Caf. stands out as a must-visit for food lovers seeking comfort and culinary delight.

The Fattened Caf.: Reviews & Ratings

Carlos Soria
Carlos Soria

Wonderful place. Absolutely delicious dishes. This Gem is a 10 out of 10 an absolute must in St Louis. Service was great. The owner checked in on us. Highly recommended

Paris Spalding
Paris Spalding

I absolutely love The Fattened Caf—this is hands down the BEST Filipino food I’ve ever had. From the moment you walk in, the decor is warm and welcoming, with plenty of seating to relax and enjoy your meal. The menu offers a great variety, whether you're craving something savory or sweet. I highly recommend the ube coffee paired with the Piyanggang Chicken—an unforgettable combo! The rice was cooked perfectly; I tried both the java rice and garlic rice, and each one brought something special to the plate. They also serve the best collard greens I’ve ever had outside of home—seasoned to perfection. For those looking for vegetarian options, there are choices like jackfruit. Overall, this felt like the most authentic Filipino dining experience I’ve ever had. Please go and enjoy—it’s truly something special! Yes - 5/5

Angela B
Angela B

Enjoyed a lovely lunch at the fattened caf. Super friendly and helpful staff, good amount of choices on the menu, and good food! I’m a pickier eater so it’s a style I’ll have to try more but I did like it. I got the Chicken adobo and my fiance got the Filipino bbq. He says the fattened caf has the best food he’s ever had in STL!

X
X

The food is worthy of Gods. That's a massive understatement. Also Darren, the owner, is such a humble, genuine, welcoming guy and I think he deserves a Michelin star or 3. Never had food like this before. Mind blown. Don't believe me? Try it yourself. I'd bet my Golden Retriever that you wouldn't disagree with me even the slightest bit.

Teresa Marie
Teresa Marie

I've known about this place for a while and finally got there during birthday vacation. I stepped in and was greeted so warmly. That is ALWAYS a plus! I got recommendations as I was a newbie, and settled on BBQ Pork Steak, a sausage on the side, and the collard greens. Oh. My. Lanta. The food was EVERYTHING. I was mainly amazed by the collard greens, which are cooked in coconut milk. Spicy, tangy, and the coconut milk mellows them out. It works so well and are amazing. The space is really nice as well. I look forward to coming back for the Jackfruit Adobo!

Jamie Bonfiglio (JamieTheArtist)
Jamie Bonfiglio (JamieTheArtist)

I literally overheard a woman talking to her friend about this place. "Clean" is the word she used multiple times to describe the food as she raved about its deliciousness and how often she eats there. Coincidentally, when I decided to try it, I googled and realized I was only 2 minutes away. I figured I had to go now. I had no idea it was Filipino food till I got there. I LOVE Filipino food, but I hadn't had it in years. I decided to try Piyanggang Chicken despite Chicken Adobo being my favorite dish, usually. I'm so glad I took a chance. I absolutely devoured that plate. The chicken is so flavorful and cooked to perfection. It's packed with flavors I don't think I've had anywhere else. The cabbage also has me in a chokehold. The vinegar-y, pickled flavor is a delightful kick for the taste buds. Not only is it a playground of flavor, it's plated so beautifully. The colors and arrangement make the plate look like a piece of art. And the service is so welcoming and kind. I also love the ambiance and decor. It feels like you've walked into a home staged as a restaurant. The seating is a masterful, inviting touch, as well as the mural on the wall. I've since been multiple times, and I've tried the adobo, which was also delicious, but I've found a new favorite dish in the Piyanggang Chicken. I'll continue to go here any time I can. Thank you for bringing this experience to St. Louis dining!

Basel Safi
Basel Safi

A Symphony of Filipino Flavors: The Fattened Caf Tucked away on South Jefferson Avenue in St. Louis lies a culinary gem that had me at "banana ketchup." Yes, you read that right—BANANA ketchup. But we'll get to that magnificent oddity in a moment. Walking into The Fattened Caf for the first time, I immediately sensed this wouldn't be my last rodeo with their Filipino BBQ. The vibe? Casual-cool with a side of "why haven't I been here before?" The staff greets you with smiles that feel genuinely happy rather than customer-service mandated. Co-owner Darren played food sherpa for my journey, and the man knows his territory. Let's talk chicken adobo—that Filipino classic that serves as my litmus test for any Filipino kitchen. Theirs? A masterclass in flavor layering. The chicken thighs are cooked to that magical point where they're tender but not falling apart, having soaked up the vinegar-soy marinade like tiny meat sponges. Paired with garlic rice and red cabbage, it's less a dish and more a flavor convention where all the delegates actually agree with each other. Then came the Filipino BBQ chicken that made me question everything I thought I knew about grilled poultry. The secret weapon? That aforementioned banana ketchup marinade. It sounds like something a sleep-deprived college student might invent at 3 AM, but it works with an almost supernatural harmony—sweet, smoky, and savory notes performing a perfect three-part harmony on your palate. The heavyweight flavor champion, however, was undoubtedly the Piyanggang chicken. Imagine burnt coconut, turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass having a party, and somehow everyone gets along perfectly. The balance is so precise it feels like someone used lab equipment rather than measuring spoons. Plant-based eaters, fear not! The Jackfruit Adobo in coconut milk deserves its own paragraph. Having encountered jackfruit masquerading as meat elsewhere, I approached with skepticism. Wrong move. They've transformed this fruit into something so complex and satisfying that it made me question why we bother with meat at all. The sweet-sour dance with vinegar's acidity creates a dish that's both comforting and exciting—culinary quantum physics at work. The sides deserve their own review, but I'll simply say this: whatever dietary path you walk, there's a delicious companion dish waiting. The garlic rice, java rice, BBQ beans, and various veggies all perform brilliantly. A special shout-out to the collard greens, which, as a first-timer, left me intrigued enough to want another go-round. Vegans, I'm sorry to report that you'll miss the grand finale: the Ube Banana pudding. This purple-hued, visually stunning dessert is what I imagine unicorns eat on their birthdays. Creamy, perfectly sweetened, with banana taking the lead while ube provides backup vocals—it's a fitting end to a meal that challenges expectations at every turn. Bottom line: The Fattened Caf isn't just a restaurant; it's a revelation. Whether you're a Filipino food aficionado or a complete novice, this place deserves your attention, your appetite, and your Instagram posts. Just save room for that pudding. Trust me.

Greg Baja
Greg Baja

We went to The Fattened Caf for dinner and had the Pork Steak BBQ, Sisig, along with a side of the longganisa and Kalamansi Soda. The food was superb and the ambiance modern with a splash of Filipino-inspired decor and centerpieces. The menu is small, but for a place just starting out, small but high quality is a good place to start. 8/10 would try the other dishes here!

Location

  • The Fattened Caf.
    3405 S Jefferson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118, United States Hotline: +1 314-899-0088

Welcome to The Fattened Caf., a culinary gem nestled in St. Louis at 3405 S Jefferson Ave. This delightful eatery offers a vibrant escape into the heart of Filipino cuisine, celebrated for its authenticity and mouthwatering flavor profiles.

As you step inside, you're embraced by a warm ambiance that invites you to relax and unwind. The decor exudes a welcoming charm, making it the perfect space to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The owner, Darren, is often found mingling with guests, bringing a personal touch that enhances the dining experience.

What truly shines at The Fattened Caf. is its menu, a treasure trove of savory and sweet offerings. Diners rave about the Piyanggang Chicken, perfectly paired with the aromatic ube coffee—a combination that is as unforgettable as it is delicious. The rice selections, whether creamy java or fragrant garlic rice, serve as the ideal backdrop for the main dishes.

Vegetarian options are also thoughtfully included, such as the flavorful jackfruit adobo, and sides like the collard greens, which are a standout, expertly cooked in coconut milk to create a harmonious balance of spicy and tangy notes. Reviews consistently highlight the careful seasoning and quality of ingredients, ensuring each bite is a harmonious experience.

Customer feedback reflects the extraordinary quality of food, with many diners declaring it the best they’ve ever had. With every dish crafted thoughtfully, it's no surprise that guests leave with a sense of satisfaction, eagerly planning their return visit.

Whether you’re a Filipino food aficionado or a newcomer to the cuisine, The Fattened Caf. promises a delightful culinary adventure. It's more than just a meal—it's an experience that celebrates the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the Philippines. If you're in St. Louis, be sure to stop by this must-visit destination to indulge in food that can only be described as worthy of the gods.

For reservations or inquiries, give them a call at +1 314-899-0088. Discover why The Fattened Caf. is hailed as a standout in the local dining scene—your taste buds will thank you!