TLDR
A once-iconic BBQ pioneer in Williamsburg known for brisket and coffee-rubbed pastrami. Though formerly a destination, it recently closed after years of mixed feedback regarding price and consistency.
Details
Once a celebrated pioneer that brought Southern-style barbecue to the Brooklyn food scene [34], this establishment eventually faced mixed reviews regarding its consistency and value. While loyal patrons lauded its brisket, pork belly, and signature pastrami with coffee rub [5], [10], [48], many diners later criticized the pricing and perceived decline in quality [20], [24], [39]. Ultimately, the restaurant concluded its decade-long run, leaving behind a legacy as a polarizing but significant fixture of Williamsburg [10], [20], [34].
Food Overview
The menu featured classic barbecue staples like brisket, ribs, and pork belly, alongside popular sides like broccoli salad [1], [10], [34], [48]. While long-time fans consistently recommended the brisket and pastrami, other visitors encountered dry meat or inconsistent rib quality [5], [8], [20], [24], [48].
Highlights / Recommended
"Patrons frequently recommended the brisket, pork belly, and the pastrami, often highlighting the latter's coffee rub [5], [10], [34], [48]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •ribs(3)
- •brisket(3)
- •pork belly(2)
Customer Sentiment
Feedback was deeply divided, ranging from nostalgia for its early days as a 'meat Mecca' to frustration over high prices and inconsistent food quality [10], [20], [34], [48]. Many diners ultimately felt the establishment struggled to maintain its initial appeal in later years [20], [24], [39].
Caveats
The restaurant is now permanently closed and no longer operating [53], [55].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About FETTE SAU
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This user noted that Fette Sau closed, implying it's no longer an option."
NeutralFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This user humorously suggested Fette Sau predicted the future by charging high prices for subpar BBQ and failing to survive."
NegativeFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This user simply stated 'RIP Fette Sau'."
NeutralFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This user stated that Fette Sau was 'fine'."
NeutralFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"In response to Fette Sau's closure, this user commented that it was 'not good' anyway."
NegativeFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This user confirmed that Fette Sau is permanently closed."
NeutralFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This user asked if Fette Sau was still good, as it was a past favorite, but noted they hadn't been since before Covid."
NeutralFrom post: How Is This Sandwich 27 At Pastrami Queen
"This user recommended Fette Sau's pastrami recipe, particularly with the addition of honey."
NeutralFrom post: How Is This Sandwich 27 At Pastrami Queen
"This user recommended Fette Sau in Brooklyn for its coffee rub and pastrami."
PositiveFrom post: Great Eats For A Picky Teen
"Fette Sau is mentioned as a BBQ option, though the commenter notes it might be closed."
NeutralFrom post: Fette Sau
"This user fondly remembers lining up for Fette Sau via the L train in the late 2000s, describing it as a 'meat Mecca' during that time."
PositiveFrom post: Fette Sau
"This user suggests that people stopped frequenting Fette Sau around 2013 due to issues like lack of lines."
NeutralFrom post: Last Call Saying Goodbye To Fette Sau
"This user's only memory of Fette Sau is of a horrible date."
NegativeFrom post: Last Call Saying Goodbye To Fette Sau
"This user described Fette Sau as a relic of the past, noting that while it might have seemed novel and was expensive, it may not have been truly good, especially from a Southern perspective."
NeutralFrom post: Last Call Saying Goodbye To Fette Sau
"This user recalled wanting to afford Fette Sau when it first opened but was disappointed by how mediocre it was for the high price, especially compared to Southern BBQ."
NegativeFrom post: Last Call Saying Goodbye To Fette Sau
"This user has avoided Fette Sau for the past ten years and stated they will not go when it becomes crowded, questioning if it was ever truly good."
NegativeFrom post: Last Call Saying Goodbye To Fette Sau
"This user stated they are always disappointed when trying BBQ in NYC and regret bothering."
NegativeFrom post: Last Call Saying Goodbye To Fette Sau
"This user stated they were always underwhelmed by Fette Sau."
NegativeFrom post: Last Call Saying Goodbye To Fette Sau
"This user commented that NYC BBQ is generally expensive due to rent and labor costs, and expressed sadness about local businesses closing."
NeutralFrom post: Last Call Saying Goodbye To Fette Sau
"In response to a comment about a Philly Fette Sau, this user mentioned that it does not compare favorably to Zig Zag."
Negative