Fat Calf Brasserie — Restaurant in Shreveport

This is my first experience with this restaurant. I drove up and was greeted with an extremely small parking lot. Nowhere near enough parking at the building, and when I drove through, I ended up stuck in a corner where I was forced to do a 3 point turn just to get back out. Finally, I got to the restaurant after parking across the street. The first half of dinner was normal, the restaurant was very busy and very loud. After we got our drinks and appetizer (five spiced burnt-ends), which were some of the only things that were great. We ended up waiting a very long time for a second drink and our main meal. Total time waiting for food was just over an hour. It came out slightly cold, and the flavors were okay at best for my wife's meal. She had the duck. I had the lamb, and it was some of the better lamb I had. We got dessert and a gift card from the manager for the extra long wait time. Our server Max R. was a good server, and he did his job well. He could have been more attentive, but understandably, he was slammed with tables as it was very busy. Overall, if a restaurant that goes off reservations can figure out its manning, and they don't over extend themselves. I think the night would have been more enjoyable. Also, I recommend sitting outside if the weather is nice so you can hear who you are at dinner with since when it is busy, it can get noisy in the small building. I'll be going again to see if things get better, but definitely not...

My husband and I just tried out Fat Calf Brasserie, and let me tell ya... If I could give them 10 stars, I would!! Best meal we've ever had in a looooong time!!! We ate the vegan special menu of the day and it was outstanding!!! The one on the pics is the deep fried tofu with veggies, plus we ate also the Brussels Sprouts as appetizer, and everything was so darn good!!! From the presentation, to the quality and taste, everything was 100% perfect!!! I seriously highly reccomend this place!! I'm italian and I'm very, VERY picky when it comes about food and restaurants!! I got here in the U.S. less than a year ago and this is the ONLY place in the SBC area that made me feel like I was back in Europe, with our high standard quality food and restaurants! Their staff is very friendly and helpful, the service was pretty fast even if it was packed, the atmosphere is cozy, homie, clean, elegant and refined on the same time, prices are totally fair and we actually spent less than what we thought... their wine and beer list is amazing and like I already said, their food is 10 out of 10!! We saw plates of the "normal" menu and they also looked absolutely yummy!! The entire night was absolutely wonderful!! This place just became our favorite monthly date! Please go check it out if you didn't yet (better making a reservation, especially on the weekends)!! 🥂❣ Y'all will thank...

First visit last night. Amazing cocktails, amazing focaccia appetizer, and amazing entrees. I had the Ember Carrots (an appetizer) and the Roasted Tomato Soup (a special), and they were {{chef's kiss}}. The Pecan Custard Tart was good but would be better served warm.

We sat inside at the bar and really appreciated the friendly, responsive professionalism of the bartenders Connor and Cat (hope I spelled those correctly). All the staff were friendly and professional, attentive and responsive.

The building and its available dining space are small. This contributes positively to the cozy ambiance, but it is also why one MUST make a reservation. This is not the kind of place that can take walk-ins.

There's not enough convenient parking. Street parking is available but not exactly friendly. I recognize that's limitation of the property and the area so it's not really a criticism - more an observation.

While this is not an issue for me, it is worth noting that the restaurant is not super accessible-friendly. Limited convenient parking, narrow walking spaces within the building itself, not-exactly-convenient toilet access if you choose to sit on the outside patio - not exactly wheelchair or mobility-aid friendly.

That critique notwithstanding, our experience otherwise was super positive. We plan to return, and we look forward to...