Seattle dads, mark your calendars — there’s a new way to get out of the house with the kids, meetup with other parents, and give your partner a night off. As of this month, Fat’s Chicken & Waffles in the Central District is now hosting Don’t Tell Mom, a monthly happy hour meet-up just for dads (and those holding it down like one) and their kids.
It’s happening every second Thursday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m., and the vibe is all about keeping it casual, community-focused, and kid-friendly. The inaugural event was April 10, and the next will be Thursday, May 15 at Darkalino’s.
Pics from the inaugural event this April, at Fat’s. (Image courtesy Don’t Tell Mom)
Whether you’re a stay-at-home dad, working dad, single parent doing both jobs, stepdad, father figure, or just looking for a reason to hang with your kid and not worry about cooking dinner — this one’s for you. Kids get to color, eat waffles, and meet new buddies. Dads get to chill, chat, and grab something delicious and maybe a drink or two. Everybody wins.
The name might be cheeky, but the heart behind Don’t Tell Mom is about creating space for connection. “Fathers need community, too,” said Marcus Lalario, co-owner of Fat’s and a new dad himself. “This is like a little club for dads. We’re planning to do events like this all over the city, but kicking it off at Fat’s just makes sense — it’s a spot that already feels like home for a lot of folks.”
Pics from the inaugural event this April, at Fat’s. (Image courtesy Don’t Tell Mom)
Fat’s is leaning into the family night vibe with a special $5 kids’ menu — mac and cheese, chicken strips and fries, and of course, waffles. For the grown-ups, there’s plenty of comfort food to dive into, from signature chicken and waffles to red beans and rice, salads, or the crowd-favorite Fat’s Sampler (cheese grits, biscuit, fried chicken, two sides — the works).
“Fat’s has always been about community,” said co-owner Erika White. “As a mom, I know how important it is to find those little pockets of time and support. This is a great excuse to get together, laugh, eat something good, and take the pressure off a bit.”
Pics from the inaugural event this April, at Fat’s. (Image courtesy Don’t Tell Mom)
There’s no RSVP or planning ahead needed — just show up with your kid(s) and hang out. Whether you’re there for the full three hours or just popping in for a quick bite, the door’s open. And if you can’t make it out the door in time, don’t worry — it’ll be happening every second Thursday moving forward.
You can find Fat’s Chicken & Waffles at 2726 E Cherry Street. More details and updates about Don’t Tell Mom events are available online and on Instagram.
