By Jared Curtis
Fatboyz Saloon & Grill
Where the Old West meets the Iron Horse
FatBoyz Saloon & Grill has brought a biker mentality and a culinary trained kitchen manager to Grimes since September 2006, offering great drinks and tasty food, all within a quick pit stop off Highway 141.
“We had always kicked around the idea of owning a restaurant and bar,” said Tim Crank, who co-owns FatBoyz with his wife, Cindy. “We’ve lived in Grimes since 1982 and we wanted to do something here in town, so we jumped at the opportunity.”
The restaurant/bar is bigger than expected, with a large square bar drawing attention as you walk in. With two good-sized rooms, Fatboyz has all the space needed to serve families and road warriors.
“We’re a neighborhood restaurant/bar with a biker theme, but we also offer a very family-friendly environment,” Tim said.
Fatboyz serves a wide variety of food (burgers including a South Dakota Buffalo Burger, sandwiches, appetizers, soups, salads and desserts), mostly homemade by Tim’s son, Danny. After attending culinary school, Tim knew that Dan was ready to run the kitchen.
“Danny definitely works his magic in the kitchen,” Tim said.
Fatboyz offers both daily lunch and dinner specials (kids eat free on Tuesday) and have some of the best appetizers this reporter has tasted including the mouth-watering Hog Wild Wings, a pork wing that fell off the bone.
“I had them at a biker rally once and really enjoyed them,” Crank said.
Happy Hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close, Monday through Thursday. Patrons can enjoy $2 draws, $2.50 bottles and 50 cents off everything else. On Sunday, customers can enjoy Happy Hour prices all day. Fatboyz also offers nightly specials. Stop in Monday for $3 margaritas. On Tuesday, enjoy $2.50 wells. Wednesday offers $3 Long Island Iced Teas and enjoy $2.50 Captain Morgan/Barcardi and Cokes on Thursday.
“We have a great group of regulars, but we see new faces all the time,” Crank said.
During the summer months, FatBoyz is the place to be for its annual Bike Nights. They take place on the second and fourth Fridays of the month through September. The first event is scheduled for May 14, with live music from Flipside and a variety of food and drink specials ($3 Tallboys outside).
“Bike Nights always bring a good crowd, but it depends on the weather.” Crank said. “One of our biggest Bike Nights happens during Funtastic Days (June 11).”
Although there are numerous places to grab some drinks and grub, Fatboyz is well worth the trip.
“We’re easy access off the highway, so enjoy a nice ride and stop in for some tasty drinks and great homemade food with friendly service,” Crank said. CV
Caption: Mercedes Van Dorn and Emily Lowes serve drinks including the house specialty, Fat Boyz Lemonade, at Fatboyz Saloon & Grill, 200 Gateway Drive, Grimes. Hours are 11 a.m to midnight (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.) Monday through Thursday, 11 to 2 a.m. (kitchen closes at midnight) Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (kitchen closes at 9 p.m.) on Sunday. Visit www.fatboyzsaloon.com for menus and upcoming events.
