Few things in life are as satisfying as a great meal. Whether it’s from a roadside hot dog stand or a five-star Michelin restaurant, the stomach wants what the stomach wants. While not every meal a person eats might qualify as great, there are a few restaurants that produce great food consistently.
Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It serves great food, a great atmosphere, and great sports-watching experiences.
Founded in 2011 by Dan Jarman, Fat Dan’s provides a full menu of Chicago-inspired cuisine alongside classic American staples. Chad Cochran is the district manager of Fat Dan’s and has helped it become the success that it is today.
“Dan Jarman grew up on the north side of Indianapolis before moving to Chicago in his 20s,” Cochran says. “With his grandparents living in Chicago, he was raised as a Cubs fan and fell in love with the city’s food culture – Italian beef, Chicago dogs, smoked meats, and all the classic flavors that define the Windy City.”
Years later, when he moved back to Indianapolis, he searched for a place to get a true Italian beef sandwich, a Chicago combo, or an Italian sausage with premium ingredients, but he couldn’t find one. So, in 2011 he decided to change that by opening a small carry-out spot.
At the heart of it all was his passion for bringing Chicago’s food culture to Indianapolis – a place where people could enjoy great food, drink an Old Style, and watch the Cubs game with fellow fans.
Fat Dan’s now operates locations in Broad Ripple, Carmel, Mass Ave in Indianapolis, and also Bloomington.
The menu features everything from gourmet hamburgers and hot dogs to smoked wings, brisket, ribs and more. There’s also a large selection of delicious sandwiches such as the classic Chicago Beef, the smoked Reuben, and the pressed Cuban sandwich. It also should be obvious to everyone that the Chicago Dog will NOT be served with ketchup.
“We always love to have specials and new menu features,” Cochran says. “Yes, we do change the menu from time to time, and we’re always exploring different ideas for the future. When it comes to what makes the cut, it’s all about comfort food – Chicago comfort food. Sometimes our Chicago-style dishes blend with Indiana State Fair-inspired flavors.”
In addition to the mouth-watering food selection, Fat Dan’s also has a large selection of beer and wine available, with the Chicago staple Old Style always available. Fat Dan’s is actually the third-largest retailer of Old Style in the country following Wrigley Field and Murphy’s Bleachers which is right across the street from the legendary ballpark.
As any true Chicagoan can tell you, summer is baseball season, and Chicago does it better than most. Fat Dan’s is physically located in Indianapolis, but the spirit of the Windy City is clear as soon as you step inside.
In all the locations (but the Broad Ripple location most extensively), the walls are covered in all kinds of Chicago-themed art and sports memorabilia. The Fat Dan’s team pays special tribute to its beloved Chicago Cubs and especially their historic World Series victory in 2016.
As summer approaches, Fat Dans will be opening its garage-style doors and patios to welcome the warm weather. It’s the perfect time to grab a cold beer, kick back with some smoked wing, and watch the Cubs (hopefully) win.
“Everyone knows we’re the number-one spot to watch Cubs games in Indianapolis, especially at the 54th and College location,” Cochran says. “When you come here, we have the game on with sound, so you can truly experience it. You’re not just watching the game; you’re surrounded by dedicated Cubs fans from the neighborhood. At other bars you won’t find the same loyal crowd.”
“We also offer food, beer and shot specials during the games, including the classic Chicago Handshake – a shot of Malört with an Old Style,” Cochran adds. “Plus, we have Jameson shot specials, beer deals, and even team up with beer reps for giveaways, T-shirts and more. If you’re looking for the ultimate Cubs game-day experience, this is the place to be.”
As for the future, Fat Dans will seek to expand to new locations and new markets, always ready to show newcomers what Chicago culture is all about.
In the meantime, however, it will continue to do what it always has done, serving great food, cold beer and great times.
It’s is a rare thing for a restaurant to so powerfully convey the spirit of a city it is not physically in. Many try to achieve this, but Fat Dan’s succeeds. Take one step into the restaurant and it is clear that it is not a gimmick or a promotion; the Chicago roots run deep. It’s almost powerful enough to make one forget they aren’t in Wrigleyville.
If you would like more information about Fat Dan’s Chicago-Style Deli, visit fatdansdeli.com, follow them on social media or visit one of their locations.
Comments 1
I have bn here n indy 4 20 years longing 4 a good chicago dog,now I know where I can go locally to satisfy my taste buds.