Fat Rats Lounge

This bar is sexy! The dark lacquered walls and the sleek bar...it's just a yummy place. The drinks are priced well, it isn't overly crowded, and the bartenders are quick with refills and very friendly.

If you don't park near the bar and have to walk, you may be bothered by some local umm...less than friendly looking men with their pants around their ankles...but if you ignore them, they go away.  The juke box is stocked with good music, and I am more than happy with that. Most live music leaves much to be desired anyway...

Great place to unwind with a good drink and good friends where you can hear your conversations and not die from smoke inhalation!

Fat Rats is great if you are looking for a small, friendly, local dive bar with stiff drinks and cool bartenders. Sharon is the main bartender and she works the whole place. Even though its mostly only her, you are never waiting for a drink. Its a very friendly atmosphere. There is a stripper pole in the corner, but the only music is from a juke box, so the place can get quiet at times. The juke box has a ton of music on it though so you can usually find something you like.

They usually have great drink specials throughout the week too. Its not very crowded there, there are actually three huge rooms now, one with the bar, one with a bar and pool tables, and a new addition with a food counter. Food is pretty good bar food. Really good for late night as they are always open until two regardless of how busy it is.

Well I've been here about a dozen times so I guess it's time to review it.  They obviously spent some serious jack on the interior of this bar.  It really is a beautiful space inside.  Outside...well it is Sanford Avenue and all that comes with that.  They have a very good liquor selection but I do wish they had a better line up of beer.  I think the limited beer offerings are a reflection of the clientele.  It's a place you never know who you're going to be sitting next to.  Once I was speaking with a large group of well heeled Winter Park lawyers I was acquainted with and the next time it's full of hood rats.  Now that's a pretty common problem in Sanford in general but here the variance is glaring.  

I want to really be a fan but I generally only go back because of the lack of good liquor option bars in Sanford in general.  They don't really have a concept or business feel.  Little Fish, Huge Pond does much better with no liquor and no space because it has a "feel" an ambiance.  Fat Rat's always seems a little like it just opened that week.  It's very clean and the bartender is always friendly but it's just missing something.  Maybe it's because you can only smoke outside even though they don't serve food?  Maybe they should serve food.  I don't know.  I can't put my finger on it.  The place should be kicking.  It's the best interior I've seen in a while but that's all it is.