Fat Baby Barbecue x Blue Ox Hillsboro — Restaurant in Hillsboro

The staff here is always friendly and welcoming, which is saying something nowadays. Everyone greets you warmly and with a smile. We usually come in just for a drink or two and a snack, but this time we tried their bbq for dinner. (Extensive cocktail list and selection by the way, but the usual suspects on their beer tap list, nothing exciting or different there) We got the 2 meat plate with pulled pork and sliced brisket with cole slaw, and mac and cheese, $42 if I remember correctly, meant to feed 2 people. -pulled pork was definitely the star here. Moist, tender, and a great smokey flavor. Loved it! -sliced brisket… needs a little work. I know brisket is very difficult to serve profitably for a restaurant. It’s expensive meat, and it takes forever to cook, and every brisket is a little different so it needs babysat more than any other meat by far. This place is doing almost everything right with their, except our slices were chewy and bland inside. Maybe using a higher (ie fattier marbling in the flat) grade of meat, or longer dwell time (like overnight) with their salt rub to preserve internal moisture would help. But this would also add to the cost, so I get it. But I appreciated that the slices included both the flat and point so that was nice. They could slice them a little thinner, which helps when a brisket turns out chewy. (I’m a competition bbq pitmaster so I know a few tricks about how to tweak things when the meat didn’t turn out quite like we wanted) -Mac and cheese was honestly forgettable. Perfectly cooked pasta, but minimal cheese and flavor. -Cole slaw was fantastic! We scarfed all of this and licked the bowl. Meal was also served with 2 slices of white bread, traditional and appreciated. Overall we like that there’s a bbq joint in the area and they seem to be finding their footing, and trying to improve. For this we will absolutely continue to support them. Next time maybe I’ll try their chopped brisket tacos, which sounds awesome...

I had this weird craving for brisket literally just a pure slab off brisket. Found these guys and ended up ordering two plates of brisket, beans, coleslaw, greens, tots, and a brisket Mac and Cheese. Ordered for pick up to devour at home. Picked up the order and it was bagged and ready upon arrival. Let me say the smell of this feast was absolutely amazing on my ride home. I couldn't wait to get the spread out and go to town. When I untagged it I was missing a plate of brisket, no biggie I just called to let them know. I called and let them know I was missing a plate of brisket. I got a call back moments later and to say they wanted to make it right wassup an understatement. I was fully prepared to drive the few blocks from my house for this deliciousness but instead they asked for my address so they could make it right and drop off what was missed. Folks customer service still exists in this world and it's at Fat Baby BBQ! I believe this man was the owner of not he deserves praise for going above and beyond to make it right. He was so kind and genuine. He was thankful the business was given the opportunity to make it right. Just absolutely WOW service. Did I need the second plate of brisket, nope I was having a food baby and food coma after half of the first plate. The food was absolutely delicious. That brisket hit the spot like no other; tender, falls apart when you pick it up, juicy, flavorful. And the sides I got were absolutely amazing as well. My beans were perfectly tender and split, that coleslaw flavorful and crisp because it's fresh, the green "to die for", that Mac and Cheese was just perfect! So thank you to your fantastic team both kitchen and ownership/management. I already decided my birthday will be there since they do axe throwing too!!! So glad Google brought me here. See you guys soon!!! Sorry I didn't take pictures I couldn't wait another...

The new Fat Baby that had just opened yesterday (soft launch) brings a welcomed BBQ joint back into downtown. The cart that I used to go for BBQ had closed, so I was very happy to see this open. Since we came in the middle of Sunday, the food side was empty, but the axe side was bustling. So we got to order right away with the bartender at the time. Justin, who has FANTASTIC customer service, seriously. Felt very welcomed!

Ordered the meal 4 two, with brisket, pulled pork, beans, and Mac & cheese. Along with chicken tenders and Cajun tots, 2 beers. Ended up around $70 with tip. Unfortunately the ran out of pork ribs or else I would have gotten that.

The food was so filling, we still have a bunch for home and even lunch the next day (pending on your appetite). Everything was good! Some wishes is that I’d want the brisket a little fattier side for the texture, and the pulled pork with a little more pork flavor. The beans and Mac were great, but eat the Mac quick before the cheese cools downs and hardens. The tenders and tots were GOOD esp with the warm bbq sauce.

Justin told us that everything is made in house, the pickles, the sauces, everything. The pitmaster smokes for 16-20 hours. I would 100% come again, a great date space mixed with the Axe throwing, lot of couples! I can imagine it be a great date spot on weekdays and weekends as more people hear about the food options.

Also the cocktails and beer selection is fantastic! Come try...