Filipino-style BBQ in St. Louis is having a serious moment, and The Fattened Caf. is right at the center of the smoke ring.
What began as a passion project in 2018, when husband-and-wife team Darren and Charlene Young started serving Filipino BBQ at Cherokee Street Market, has evolved into one of St. Louis’s most buzzed-about BBQ destinations, blending American smoked meats with bold Filipino flavors that feel both comfortingly familiar and totally new. 🌟
How Filipino Smoke And Spice Are Rewriting St. Louis BBQ Rules
Hidden in plain sight on South Jefferson Avenue, The Fattened Caf. has quietly built a loyal following by doing one thing extremely well: slow-smoked meats drenched in Filipino flavor that still feel right at home in a city obsessed with BBQ.
Charlene brings her Filipino American roots and the flavors she grew up with, while Darren brings pitmaster energy and smoke expertise, creating a menu that leans into rich marinades, tangy vinegar, and charred edges instead of heavy sauces alone.
Dishes like chicken adobo, pork steak BBQ, and longganisa manage to taste deeply familiar yet excitingly different, giving St. Louis locals a fresh way to enjoy BBQ without abandoning the smoky, caramelized style they love.
If you’re mapping out a St. Louis food crawl, this is exactly the kind of spot that belongs next to icons you’d see in best BBQ in St. Louis roundups or on lists of must-try Filipino restaurants in the Midwest—small in size, huge in flavor.
Food Highlights
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Ube Longdog: This eye-catching favorite stars smoked spicy chicken longganisa on a vivid ube hotdog bun, loaded with pickled cabbage or papaya, onions, citrus mayo, BBQ sauce, garlic chips, and spring onions, which results in a sweet-savory sausage with tangy toppings. 💜🌭
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Chicken Adobo (GF): Bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a soy-vinegar sauce and served with garlic rice, red cabbage atchara, and seasoned cucumbers, this classic plate brings one of the Philippines’ most beloved comfort dishes into the BBQ world with its bright, tangy sauce and tender meat that offers a soulful, homey flavor that fans describe as comfort in every bite.
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Filipino Style Pork Steak BBQ (GF): A hefty 12 oz pork steak marinated and basted in Filipino street food BBQ flavors, then grilled until beautifully caramelized, this plate is tailor-made for serious meat lovers thanks to its smoky edges, juicy bites, and a dipping sauce that keeps the plate from ever feeling heavy.
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Chargrilled Pork Belly Sisig: Pork belly is chargrilled, chopped, and topped with red onions, scallions, citrus mayo, Thai peppers, and chicharron crumble, then served with garlic rice and sides that win over adventurous eaters thanks to its combo of crispy bits, rich pork, and bright, spicy toppings—a perfect “share plate”. 😏
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Lola’s Ube Banana Pudding: Southern-style banana pudding infused with ube and topped with whipped cream and salted Nilla wafer crunch, this dessert nods to both Filipino and American comfort traditions and delivers a smoky, savory meal with a colorful, creamy, and lightly nostalgic sweet finish. 🍮
Atmosphere
The vibe at The Fattened Caf. is casual, inviting, and community-centered, the kind of place where you feel like part of the story instead of just another ticket in the queue.
Guests frequently mention friendly staff and a warm welcome in online reviews, echoing the restaurant’s mission to “love food but always love people more,” which you see reinforced on their about page.
There’s an easy blend of BBQ joint energy and Filipino comfort—think trays of smoky meat, bright pickled sides, and colorful details that make the space feel fun instead of fussy. 😋
With options for private parties and catering services, it also doubles as a go-to spot for celebrations, family dinners, and casual date nights.
Bottom Line
Filipino smoke and spice, signature dishes like the Ube Longdog, house-made smoked Spam, warm hospitality, and a relaxed space that makes it easy to linger over one more bite.
Address:
3405 S Jefferson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118
📞 (636) 498-4240
🕔 Open Wed–Sat, Wed–Thu, 11 AM–8 PM, Fri–Sat, 11 AM–9 PM (Closed Sun, Mon–Tue)