As the semester unfolds, we’re turning the spotlight on The Fattened Caf—a local gem that’s redefining barbecue by blending Filipino and American traditions. Located in McKelvey Hall on the Danforth Campus, The Fattened Caf is serving up dishes that celebrate flavor, culture and community.
Known for its house-made longanisa and creative specials, this eatery has quickly become a favorite among students, faculty and staff. If you haven’t stopped by yet, consider this your sign to discover a new twist on BBQ
From Dinner Parties to Dining Excellence
The Fattened Caf’s story is one of passion, resilience and community. Founded by Charlene and her partner (both with nonprofit backgrounds, not culinary ones), the idea was sparked by a love for good food and bringing people together.
The Fattened Caf’s story begins far from the kitchen. Founders Darren and Charlene Young both came from nonprofit backgrounds with no prior food industry experience. Their passion for food and community led them to host dinner parties and game nights, where Charlene introduced Darren to Filipino barbecue—a cuisine that would become central to their vision.
“When we moved to St. Louis, we fell in love with barbecue, but it wasn’t until Charlene introduced me to Filipino barbecue that our idea started to take shape,” Darren shared.
In 2017, those casual gatherings turned into pop-ups, where they experimented with recipes and built a loyal following. When the pandemic hit, they pivoted to focus on packaged goods, perfecting their longanisa—a Filipino sausage—and landing a partnership with Schnucks grocery stores to bring their product to a wider audience.
A Flavorful Presence at WashU
Since joining the WashU dining scene, The Fattened Caf has quickly become a beloved spot for students, staff and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of the Engineering building, their unique take on Filipino-inspired barbecue and comfort food has introduced the campus community to bold, vibrant flavors that stand out from the usual dining options.
The Fattened Caf’s expansion to WashU has been transformative“WashU has allowed us to be on a platform, really, to put Filipino food on a national platform,” the founders shared, expressing gratitude for the support from WashU Dining Services and leadership.
With a focus on authenticity and quality, The Fattened Caf offers a dining experience that’s as much about celebrating culture as it is about savoring good food. Their commitment to crafting meals with care and connecting with the WashU community has made them a flavorful and welcoming presence on campus.
February Specials: Celebrating Culture and Love
The Fattened Caf isn’t just about food—it’s about storytelling through every bite. For Black History Month, the menu features a flavorful blend of Filipino and Black culinary traditions. Their coconut milk-braised collard greens, paired with their sweet and smoky longanisa sausage, combine the richness of Southern soul food with the creamy, vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine. It’s a heartfelt nod to the shared history of food as a bridge for culture and community.
For Valentine’s Day, The Fattened Caf will feature a special strawberry calamansi drink, highlighting the unique flavor of calamansi, a Philippine citrus. Customers can also enjoy a 50% discount on all calamansi drinks—a sweet way to celebrate the season!
This personal touch is what sets The Fattened Caf apart. From their innovative recipes to their welcoming atmosphere, the team strives to bring people together through food and community.
A Taste of What’s Next
As they continue to grow, The Fattened Caf remains dedicated to its roots. Whether expanding their reach through local partnerships or creating new dishes that honor their heritage, they’re committed to serving food that nourishes both body and soul.
Stop by their WashU location to enjoy a meal infused with bold flavors, culture, and love. And don’t forget to follow them on Instagram to stay updated on menu specials and events!
Here’s to another delicious semester at WashU with The Fattened Caf!
Follow The Fattened Caf on Instagram and visiting their WashU location for the latest menu updates and special events.