To mattyboy:
I'd humbly suggest you venture beyond french fries and fried scrimp at Fat Hen if you want anyone to take your "review" seriously. The drive-thru at Captain D's may be more your speed.
Fat Hen is the best thing to happen to Johns Island in the time since I moved out here ten years ago. Living nearby, take out has become a great way to avoid the crowds and still get our "fix" for the outstanding French-influenced comfort food. Oh, and the one time I had the fried shrimp (off my nephew's plate), even they were fantastic.
Fat Hen and Al Di La vie for best food for the money in Charleston.
It's definitely not up to par with it's first few years of operation. I've been eating here since the month it opened, but very infrequently the past year. Service has been acceptable but not as good as it was. The food has been ok but not stellar. The menus were down right dirty. It really is not appetizing to be handed a menu with food smudged on it and burn holes. There are too many good restaurants in this town to tolerate mediocrity, especially at these prices.
Had lunch there yesterday. Nice service, friendly waiter,
food good, a touch pricy,
I agree with the other posters here. This place has gone down the crapper. The staff has a major attitude problem and the restaurant itself is living off its past reputation.
Don't know what planet you're from but I love this place. Yes it's loud. That happens when you're packed with a lively crowd. The food has been delicious every time I've eaten here over the last six years. If servers seemed disinterested it was more likely that they were slammed busy. If you love coq au vin or mussels or a great steak with fries... run don't walk. Oh, and check you're crappy attitude at the door.
Crowded, bad table placing. Felt like we were out in the middle of traffic. Server seemed very uninterested, and food seemed to be made hastily. Underseasoned, poorly prepared, and unappetizing presentation. Was actually very suprised they allowed my appetizer to be brought to the table. Overall poor experience.
Crowded and noisy. Service was terrible, food was mediocre. The place sure has gone downhill.
Floavorful French cuisine with a warm bistro atmosphere.
I have to disagree with other reviewers and say that while the food is not horrible, it is certainly not on my list of favorite restaurants. Considering the food isn't exactly cheap, I would expect a little more. While the French Fries were delicious, the breading on my fried shrimp just seemed to fall right off, and the bread on my mom's sandwich was obviously very old and stale. Although this restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere, I wouldn't return unless someone else was paying for my meal.
Very good food though I found out I don't like leg of lamb. Great cobb salad.
Wonderful food!! The best meal I've had in months. I had the grouper with butterbeans and added a side of spinach. What a fabulous combination. Here is downtown Charleston food on Johns Island. I'll be back--many times.
I love it! The food is classic French homecooking and the atmosphere is comfortable and elegant. The staff is warm and welcoming and provides prompt service, which is very unFrench of them.
Re: “La Fourchette”
Had a great meal here last weekend. The steak frites was awesome a perfectly cooked hangar steak with a mound of there delicious fries. The service was attentive, the atmosphere was great, and lots of french wine by the glass. I found my new spot for a steak frite fix.