Quick Take:
Location: Lakeland
What Mike Ordered: The Killer Sandwich and Cup of Chili
What Katie Ordered: Reuben and French Fries
Gluten Free Options: Yes
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Final Score: 4.5/5
Price: ~$10–20 per person
For our twentieth stop on our Polk Food Quest, we visited local favorite, Fat Jack's in Lakeland.
Fat Jack's came it at number two on our list for The Best Sandwiches In Polk County (specifically for their Reuben), and number four on our list for The Best Breakfast In Polk County.
And the name Fat Jack's carries some weight around Lakeland; having been open since 1963!
Fat Jack's Deli & Pub is a spot that doesn't try to be the fanciest restaurant (or even deli) in Polk County.
But they will make you feel like you're right at home and the food will keep you coming back for more.
By the way: if you're new here, the concept of my Polk Food Quest is simple: every week I try a local spot, order the most common thing people get, try a few extras, and rank it on taste, value, vibes, and overall.
This week: a Reuben!
Which means Katie ordered a reuben and fries and I ordered the killer (sandwich) and a cup of chili.
How Does This Work?
I order the standard item for that category (for Fat Jack's we decided to go with their Reuben and a specialty sandwich), plus a few extras so I can get a full feel for the menu.
Then I rank the experience on four things:
Taste | Value | Vibes | 
Overall
Taste focuses on the standard item.
The rest reflects the entire experience.
Taste: 5/5
Having heard about Fat Jack's A LOT, but never actually trying it, we were a little worried this might be another one of those spots that couldn't live up to the hype.
But it wasn't hype ... it was exactly what they deserve: praise for some damn good food!
Fat Jack's is getting an easy 5/5.
We KNEW we definitely needed to try a reuben being that it was one of the main reasons Fat Jack's came in second for the best sandwich in Polk, but I originally went in thinking I was going to also order something from the breakfast menu (being that they also came in at number four for the best breakfast in Polk).
Then, once I asked for something I HAD to try on the menu, I was told about "The Killer" sandwich (you'll have to get there and ask for it to find out exactly what it is) and the award winning chili.
And I'm dang glad I asked!
Here's a quick breakdown for my quick scanners, though:
- The Reuben: Incredible. Katie and I both understand why this sandwich helped bring Fat Jack's to the top of the best sandwich in Polk list.
- The Killer [Sandwich]: SO good. I had it on a sub roll, pressed, with Swiss cheese and holy cow this was damn good.
- Chili: Really, really good. If you don't like some heat, you'll probably want to pass — but if you do, then this is worth a shot.
Everything we had from Fat Jack's was incredible.
So much so that we're extremely excited to make our way back and try more of the menu (I think next time we'll have to try breakfast!)
Vibes: 4/5
This one is really hard for me.
Vibes are the hospitality/service, where the place actually is located, and the details like decor, the music, and look.
In this case the service was great, the location is decent, and the interior is more classic and quirky.
With the quirky interior in mind, I'm going to give it a 4/5 for vibes, but with a note.
The note I want to make clear here is the fact that the quirky interior and space of Fat Jack's is also part of it's charm.
It's a small, diner-like location that mixes a deli / pub / diner feel all into one — with certain decorations hanging up that seem like they may still be there from a few years ago.
It is old-school charm, and that's what makes it feel homey.
But, at the same time, it definitely won't be for everyone, and not all the charm is intentional (most of it might not be, to be honest).
The Lean Squeeze
The lowest-calorie, highest-protein, most satiating picks on the menu — chosen by Mike, who spent a decade in the fitness industry before The Polk Squeeze.
Mike's Pick: Ham & Cheese Omelette (Egg Whites)
Egg whites cut the calories way down while keeping the protein high, and the ham stacks even more protein on top with almost no added fat.
Alternative Picks: Chicken Caesar Salad
Ask for the dressing on the side.
Mike's Note: Personally, I'd get the Ham & Cheese with egg whites, hold the cheese if I'm being strict, and possibly even sub the toast for fruit. It's the highest protein-per-calorie order on the whole menu, and it doesn't feel like diet food.
Value: 5/5
Even though I gave the vibes a 4/5, I'm still giving the value an EASY 5/5.
Everything we had was incredible, and with two sandwiches, two sodas, and two sides, we still only paid $25 for the two of us.
And you don't have to worry about leaving hungry.
The sandwiches are inexpensive enough to make grabbing a side a no-brainer, and even without one their is so much meat that you can confidently grab a bite and leave satisfied without having to feel like you have to break the bank.
Overall: 4.5/5
Fat Jack's is a place where they'll remember you and between the hospitality and the food, you'll want to keep coming back.
Their website even says "Owner, Mark Westfall, still mans the grill and knows most of the regular customers by name.
If this is a local spot for you; you'd be silly to not try to become one of those regulars that Mark remembers by name.
If this is a bit out of the way, you'll want to make a stop and give it a shot to see what all the locals having been talking about for over 50 years.
Fat Jack's gets a solid 4.5/5.
Would I bring my visiting family there?
Probably.
If someone was in the mood for a reuben, definitely.
While Fat Jack's is absolutely incredible, the reason I keep coming back to it being a "become a regular" location with quirks is because it still is a diner-feel that has great sandwiches, but nothing that you'd be racing to in order to show off to an outsider.
This is a Lakeland local gem. One you keep a secret and share with other locals.
Here’s how I’d sum up Fat Jack's:
The food is what earns Fat Jack's its reputation, and it's a well-earned one. Taste is a perfect 5/5, and after almost 60 years in business, that's not luck — that's a menu they've had plenty of time to perfect.
Everything we ordered was excellent.
The only real ding is on vibes, and even that comes with a caveat. It's not a fancy space (and it's not pretending or trying to be); it's a small, diner-pub hybrid with decorations that look like they've been up for years. But that's not a flaw so much as it's the whole point. The quirky, lived-in interior is part of Fat Jack's charm.
I personally think that's a small price to pay for food this good.
You will not leave hungry, and the value is there dollar for dollar.
If you're anywhere near Lakeland and haven't tried it, go check it out.
And if you're the type who likes finding a spot where they know your order by the second visit, this is that spot.
Before You Go....
Hey!
I want to know what you think of Fat Jack's.
Leave a comment below.
The more you share, the better, but anything is appreciated.
Each comment helps The Best Of Polk articles and eventually, the yearly awards!
Have a place you want me to try?
Make sure to comment that as well.
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Nice article. I live in Lakeland and we occasionally stop in Fat Jacks. I have had their Reuben with fries… it’s a big sandwich! And very good. I have not had the Killer sandwich. I was hoping you would say more about it; especially what is in it. Maybe next time on your food review you can elaborate a bit more on the meal. I still have no idea what you ate that was so good.
Hey Bonnie! This was the first time I’ve ever reviewed an item that wasn’t on the main menu, combined with the fact that Fat Jack’s is a spot where a lot of regulars frequent, I thought it would be fun to keep the exact details as a surprise.
I did make sure to note that I had the chili, Katie had a reuben with fries, and I had my sandwich pressed on a sub roll — which I thought was enough about the meal while keeping The Killer fun 🙂
But I will work on adding more details in the future.
I would love to have you two try That 716 Pizza Joint.
Their food is amazing and I recommend the pizza and wings. Enjoy!
Hey Terry, are you one of the owners or friends or you just really like the food? It’s definitely on the list.
Fat Jack’s sounds like a near place to visit if only you had put in their address. Having lived in Polk Co. for over 20 yrs., I still don’t know every eating establishment.
Hey Pat, I can start adding the full address if that helps.
I just assume if I put Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub and show it’s in Lakeland that’s more than enough considering Google, Apple Maps and Google Maps would pop it up quicker than copy pasting the address from the website 😛