2450 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505
I believe this place used to be called Fatboy's and it seems as though it may have closed and was taken over by a new enthusiast of the Fatboy's old years gone by. But thankfully they still have the same huge Fat Boy face on the sign hanging over the front door. That sign has undoubtedly hung there since the early 50s. Maybe longer. It is part of the charm of the place.
Since I had not been there in years and years, I decided to just go with the premium product, a Fatboy. This is a 1/3 pound patty with cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and green olives. Bascially, Mr. Fabulous re-incarnated. And why not? Somebody had to take up the slack. It was very good and featured a beef patty that wasn't pre-formed in a press. It looks hand done, like you would do at home. I liked that. The other ingredients were fresh.
Fat Boy Burger offers table, booth, or counter seating, and has a large and varied menu up on the wall. They offer breakfast and lunch meals, however 4 days of the week they are open until 8 p.m. The breakfast menu is full range including pancakes etc. and the lunch menu sports burgers and hot dogs, but also a variety of sandwiches such as grilled ham and cheese, tuna melts, and reubens. They also have daily specials and the day I was there they were either chili mac, or a pulled pork sandwich.
The GOOD: A clean, old fashioned atmosphere, and good food. The place was busy, but I was there during noon hour. There is plenty of easy in and out parking behind the building. One orders at the counter and the orders are taken according to your name, although I honestly don't remember giving them mine, but I must have because that's how they knew my order was mine. Another big plus was the smiling and enthused staff. Amy was very nice, and everyone there seemed happy.
They also take checks.
The BAD: They don't accept credit cards or debit cards. It's cash or check. Checks are quickly going the way of typewriters, Super 8 movie cameras, and VCRs. But Fat Boy Burgers do have an ATM in the building, so they are at least that tech savvy. But remember if you show up without any cash, as I nearly did, your meal's gonna cost an extra two or three dollars if you have to get cash.
OVERALL: Pleasant experience and good food! Something for everyone's taste. And when I left, Amy said goodbye to me by name. That was huge.
Grade: B+
