Fat City Franks

After a fun day with the kids, I was looking for a family-friendly place where I could both bring the kids and avoid cooking.  I remembered driving through Fat City weeks ago and seeing a brightly painted and fun looking new restaurant.  With a little research I found Fat City Franks.  Perfect!  I told the kids we were going to have hot dogs for dinner and my three year old almost lost his marbles!  Without delay, he dressed for dinner and even helped me get his brother in the car. A-MAZING!

After a short drive we arrived at the brightly colored restaurant.  Before we even pulled up, my son was giddy in the back.  "Ooh Mama, can we go to that place!?"  For once, I was able to say, "YES!!"  It felt good. Usually, I'm conditioned to compose creative and ironclad lies stories  in a split second as to why we can't do what they're asking to do.  This time, I got to say yes!

Being that my husband is currently handicapped, I was more than pleased to see the impressive ramp leading to the front door! YAY! When we entered, I was a bit apprehensive.  It looked like a bar, and initially I was reminded of the scene in the movie 'Sweet Home Alabama' where Reese Witherspoon says to her long lost friend, "you have a baby....in a bar...." My fears were quickly assuaged.  Worry not, it's a wonderful place to bring your child (at least at 5 on a Monday).

The menu was simple but offered several options.  The "kid dog" gave both of my boys the perfect portion of hot dog and fries on the cheap! Score one for family friendly! My husband found his Banh Mi dog (whatever that is) and I had the Philly Dog.  Of course the meal was not complete without an order of fries topped with copious amounts of bleu cheese, bacon and sriracha mayo.  Healthy! Sometimes you just have to break all the rules!  ;) 

And, since Daddy got his fries, Mama went for the tasty marg!! Lucky for me, my mom came too and they had a 2-1 deal on margaritas.  They weren't bad.  They were your standard triple sec margarita.  Not bad for the price and served its purpose alongside a hot dog!  The charm... it was served in a mason jar.  I'm a sucker for mason jar drinks. They just feel right.  Something about an ice-cold sweet drink in summertime --it just belongs in a mason jar.  

There was a family sitting by us that my oldest son, of course, made friends with.  He and another little boy were dancing to the music that was playing and having a great time.  Their somewhat boisterous presence didn't seem to bother anyone.  My son was leaping off the steps (3 high) and even though I was freaking out, others found it rather hilarious.  All in all, this was a successful trip. Not too expensive, my kids actually ate their dinner, no meltdowns, an environment that could handle their eccentricities, and it was close to home (and the mall)!

They do have highchairs and boosters and there is a dining area away from the main bar.  The outdoor patio is beautiful and had it not been raining tonight, that probably where we would have ended up, even though there aren't any tables.  They take credit cards, even though their Facebook page says cash only.  The drinks are self-serve and the food is ordered at a counter before you sit down, then brought to your table.  You can make your own hot dog, shrimp, alligator, turducken, or many other dog-concoctions for those who are extra picky, and options are limitless. It was a fun ambiance and the kids were happy when we left!  When you're in the mood for something more casual and different, give it a try!  We can also help support a local business helping to revive Fat City!