Fat Lady

01/07/2008 Posted by foxyfleur

A friend from the East Bay picked this restaurant as a meeting point for a group of us to have our quarterly lunch - most of us coming from S.F. We were impressed immediately with the atmosphere and general ambiance and most importantly because we could have a conversation and hear one another easily. It was a Saturday brunch when we dined and the first experience with the Fat Lady for all. The food was wonderful (from salads to eggs & french toast) but took a very long time to be served which was concerning as the place was not busy and no where near full to capacity and arriving early, we had been the first to order. The waitress did let us know however that there would be a delay in getting our food after we had waited more than half an hour after ordering. As it was a social occasion for us it was not an issue but what really spoiled the entire experience was that the bill was delivered immediately without an inquiry as to whether we wanted any thing additional such as desert, coffee etc. "Here's your hat; what's your hurry!". Other than the bum's rush, the experience was good. Would definitely go again and recommend to friends but would certainly protest being herded out if it reoccurred! (note: there was no wait for tables when this happened)

Pros: good location, variety in menu, great bar, easy street parking

Cons: service was sloppy except at the bar where it was very attentive

12/08/2006 Posted by ironqween

I used to work in San Leandro before becoming a domestic goddess 8 years ago. I loved to take customers to the fat lady and to meet collegues at the bar for cocktails on a Friday. Since becoming the goddess of my domain, I haven't been able to get to the Fat Lady since my "career change." Well, that's all about to change. I'm going to a concert at the Paramount in February and thought how fun it would be to have dinner first, but where? The Fat Lady was the first and only place I thought of. I can't wait to come back, I'm bringing my dad who is going to adore the ambiance, the food, the wine and the history. Thanks Fat Lady for being part of my nostalgia. Can't wait! Yummy!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: Everything

Cons: Nothing

08/14/2006 Posted by __ammorton

The food was excellent, the atmosphere was just suburb and the staff was great. The owner herself stopped us to take a complementary picture near the famous fat lady painting. Whether you're looking for just a drink at the bar or a full meal I highly recommend the Fat Lady. I was more than happy with my experience.

Pros: Ambience

05/21/2006 Posted by stainlessmirk

Our waitress wasn't very helpful. Not rude or anything, just couldn't keep her things straight. They have terrible creme brulee. Do not try it, even if the airhead waitress recommends it as the top choice dessert. Even if she promises to have the chef go lightly on the top. The rest was fine.

Cons: creme brulee

04/29/2006 Posted by tweeti

My husband and I were walking our dog around Jack London Square and didn't really know where to have lunch. So, we walked by and decided to try this place. Since we had our dog with us and it was such a beautiful day out, we decided to sit outside. The servers were really nice. One of the guys, might have been the owner's son, came out with water for our doggie, and played with her alittle. I had the "Fat Lady Burger" and my hansband had the "Blackstone Eggs Benedict". My burger was cooked perfectly and my husband enjoyed his dish also. Will definitely go back again.

Pros: Great service

Cons: Close to the track

07/12/2005 Posted by juke315

Your great experience at the Fat Lady starts with free parking in an unmarked lot just for FL customers down the street on Washington. Once you're in the door, you almost never have to wait for a table (unless it's a holiday, and even then you have the beautiful bar to sit and wait at). The staff is always courteous and considerate, and you have pastries to munch on while waiting for your food, which is delicious and reasonably priced. The Grand Marnier french toast is to die for, as are the eggs benedict over crab cakes! Dinner is a little more pricey, but the service and quality is always top-notch! The atmosphere is great and you can always carry on a conversation at your table comfortably.

Pros: Parking, Seated/served quickly, Atmosphere

Cons: NONE

04/08/2004 Posted by nikoloula

It's so nice to find a place like this in Oakland. Great food and service in a laid back environment. We even stayed after dinner and hung out at the bar... great bartender...yummy drinks.

Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere