Fat Tommy’s promises back-to-basics barbecue
No-frills, inexpensive barbecue that tastes good: That’s what Gary Kostka had in mind when he opened Fat Tommy’s BBQ, 6475 W. Charleston Blvd., in February.
And no-frills it is, set in a food court where a handful of small restaurants share a common dining area. The arrangement helps him reduce overhead costs and keep his prices low.
The menu is small and as simple as barbecue can get: Baby back ribs, smoked chicken, hot links, beef brisket and pulled pork are offered along with four side dishes. There’s coleslaw, potato salad, Kostka’s special barbecue beans and grilled corn on the cob. Dad’s Root Beer is among the soft drinks served.
Offering a small menu helps prevent waste, Kostka says, which enables him to focus on the basics of good barbecue his customers expect.
He serves one barbecue sauce, made in five-gallon batches, ensuring that it is always fresh, Kostka says. It won’t please everyone, he adds, because the sauce is not too sweet and not too spicy. It’s the way he likes it.
All meats are hickory smoked on the premises.
Hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Specialties: Barbecue baked beans, regular for 95 cents, large for $3.99; baby back ribs, $14.99 for a full rack, $8.99 for a half-rack; Louisiana hot link, $3.75
Sandwiches: The K.C., pulled pork with barbecue sauce, $3.75 regular, $4.75 jumbo; The Big Texan, certified Angus beef brisket with barbecue sauce, $3.95 for regular, $4.95 jumbo
Entrees: Full rack baby back ribs and half a chicken with two sides, $18.99; half a chicken with two sides, $8.99
Sides: Grilled corn on the cob, $1.95; coleslaw and potato salad, 95 cents regular size, $3.99 large
Information: 435-7427
By SONYA PADGETT