Sometimes the best restaurants have the most charming origin stories, and Fat Maddie’s Grille certainly delivers on that front. 🐐
This family-owned comfort food haven in San Ramon was started by a mother-daughter duo in 2010 and named after their beloved and plump pet goat, Maddie.
Since opening their doors, they’ve been serving farmhouse-inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, specializing in everything from homemade dressings to marinated chicken that keeps locals coming back week after week.
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How Fat Maddie’s won San Ramon hearts
Fat Maddie’s Grille won the San Ramon community over by staying true to a simple philosophy: make everything from scratch with quality ingredients and treat every guest like family.
From day one, the mother-daughter team behind the restaurant focused on creating homemade comfort food where even the dressings and marinades are made in-house—no shortcuts, no compromises. 👩🍳
Their creative sandwich menu set them apart from typical casual dining spots.
The Cali Burger and Cali Chicken Sandwich became instant favorites, while adventurous options like the Cheesy Crab Sandwich and Santa Fe Pesto Chicken Sandwich showed the kitchen’s willingness to push beyond basic burger-joint offerings. 🍔
The dog-friendly patio created a welcoming atmosphere that made Fat Maddie’s a go-to spot for families and pet owners alike.
Located between Starbucks and Petco on Crow Canyon Place, the outdoor seating became the perfect place to enjoy a meal with furry companions, further cementing the restaurant’s reputation as a community gathering spot.
Consistent quality played a huge role in building loyalty.
Customers repeatedly praise how the food is always made fresh and the staff remains great about special orders—that flexibility and reliability turned first-time visitors into weekly regulars over the restaurant’s 15-year run.
Perhaps most impressively, Fat Maddie’s earned recognition as one of the most reviewed restaurants on Yelp in San Ramon, a testament to how many people felt compelled to share their positive experiences with this charming family-run establishment. ✨
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The success of the original location eventually led to expansion, with sister locations opening in Pleasant Hill and Blackhawk—proof that the mother-daughter team’s vision of farmhouse-inspired comfort food resonated far beyond their original San Ramon community.
Food Highlights
Cali Burger: A customer favorite with 21 photos and 49 reviews, this burger is topped with fresh avocado, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and all the classic fixings—it represents California burger perfection with quality ingredients throughout.
Santa Fe Pesto Chicken Sandwich: This popular creation combines marinated grilled chicken with house-made pesto, Southwest flavors, and fresh toppings—it has 19 photos and 35 reviews from fans who love the fusion of flavors.
Cheesy Crab Sandwich: An indulgent seafood option featuring tender crab meat, melted cheese, and special sauce—with 10 photos and 31 reviews, it’s become a must-try for seafood lovers seeking something beyond typical diner fare. 🦀
Fried Chicken: The surprisingly popular fried chicken has earned 16 photos and 49 reviews for its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and perfectly seasoned coating—many customers come specifically for this dish even at a burger-focused restaurant.
Pork Chops: These tender chops with 4 photos and 23 reviews showcase the restaurant’s commitment to serving quality entrees beyond sandwiches—they’re grilled to perfection and served with classic sides for a satisfying meal.
Atmosphere
Fat Maddie’s Grille offers a casual, family-friendly environment perfect for relaxed dining with loved ones.
The dog-friendly outdoor patio creates a welcoming space where pet owners can enjoy their meals alongside their furry companions in the pleasant San Ramon weather.
Located in a convenient shopping center between Starbucks and Petco, the restaurant provides easy parking and accessibility for quick lunches or leisurely dinners.
The vibe is warm and unpretentious, with family-owned hospitality that makes every guest feel like they’re dining at a friend’s house rather than just another restaurant transaction. 🏡
Bottom Line
Visit Fat Maddie’s Grille for everything made from scratch including dressings and marinades, legendary clam chowder that locals rave about, creative sandwich options beyond typical burger joints, dog-friendly patio seating perfect for families with pets, and the charm of a mother-daughter operation that’s been serving San Ramon with love since 2010. 💚
Address: 2005 Crow Canyon Pl, Suite 142, San Ramon, CA 94583
📞 (925) 355-1975
🕔 Tue-Sun, 11:00 AM–8:30 PM (Closed Mon)