Fat Hippo

Doesn't Recommend

mnp11

Joined 3 years ago

terrible service, mediocre food. went there for lunch/brunch on a holiday. sat at the table for 20 minutes before anyone even acknowledged our presence. they were out of half the items on their menu as well as half their drinks. asked for a bloody mary, was told by the waitress that "we're not set up for that". ordered a beer instead. 5 minutes later, another customer was served a bloody mary at the bar! when i asked the waitress about it, she got upset and asked that I "don't take it out on her because she's the only one there." i understand if you are busy, but she could have handled the drink ordering situation, as well as my being upset much better. didn't even offer to remedy the situation! food not great either...i won't go back

Doesn't Recommend

anroz

Joined 4 years ago

Won't come here for brunch again... if at all.... We went there for brunch and left with a firm decision not to come back.

While the food was mostly as advertized, the coffee was mediocre. The ordered latter looked and tasted very much like a cappuccino, with cinnamon on top. The waitress was too busy checking her cell-phone and sending text messages. When we motioned to get her attention (to ask for more maple syrup), she brought us a check. Finally, when we paid, we noticed that there was an extra charge – not huge and easy to escape one's attention. So we asked the waitress… - she admitted the mistake, but didn’t insist too much on reconciling it. We walked out…

Other minor comments: unremarkable atmosphere; music on the loud side (on a nice Sunday morning).

Overall: it’s just not worth it.

Recommends

eater25

Joined 4 years ago

Delish comfort food. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual (not scene-y like some other places in the neighborhood) our waitress was super friendly and attentive. Definitely order the burger fondue! It is amazing. Also had the duck cuban and the pulled pork stuffing, both delicious and well-priced for the amount of food you get. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other amazing-sounding menu items.

Recommends

Sophia7

Joined 4 years ago

Where have you been all these years!!!...love it. Bravo!!!...I go out on the lower east side all the time and I hate going to dinner down there because there are so few restaurants...I have to say I walked by this place accidentally on my way home from a night out and a few friends and we were starved and realized people were eating so we stopped in. They later told me they serve till 4AM...can I say score!! We shared the burger fondue which were the best mini burgers I think I have ever eaten and the ceviche which had chunks of avocado and chopped jalepeno which I love. I also ordered the mac and cheese...which I probably shouldn't have bc I ate the whole bowl myself... One of my friends ordered the pork chop and we assumed it would be a small plate but it was the largest pork chop I had ever seen. He seemed to like it as he cleared the plate. I can't wait till they serve liquor as it seems it will be a fun place to chill....Thumbs Up!!

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

This L.E.S. eatery aims to produce food even hipper than the local denizens, albeit with familiar trailer-park flavors.. If there's one concept that never really works in New York, it's a postmodern take on classic America comfort food. Ten Vong's approach at Fat Hippo is self-assuredly over the top, from his sliders with fondue sauce (quickly gaining a cult following), to his pulled pork-stuffed pork chop, to the pickled watermelon and radish slaw. The food looks odd and sounds odder, but the flavors are all on target, as is the vibe. Visually, it's the standard, white-painted brick walls, beamed ceilings and sleek booths--more wine bar than road house--but the food has the kind of heartiness that seems true to its out-of-state inspirations.

Doesn't Recommend

NYCtransplant007

Joined 4 years ago

1 week shy of a liquor license.... I recently went here on a first (and last) date. He brought a six pack which was a good thing since we had to wait almost an hour for a table and it's still a BYOB. The waitresses were very nice, the bartender was a doll, the atmosphere was super chill.... the food was mediocre at best. The Burger Fondue was cold and tasteless, the Trailer Park Chicken was overdone and cold and the Pan Fried Mozzerella was also cold. I was so disappointed especially after everything on the menu sounded amazing. Oh yeah, they only take cash, no credit cards. Come on people - this is New York. Get with the program. However, the bar/pub down the block on Clinton, Donnybrook, rocked.