Fat Bob Burger

I’ve visited this place twice already but the truth is Fat Bob Burger had been with me for years before I set my foot in this tiny burger joint.

It is thanks to my friend who studied at Poznań’s Politechnika* at that time. His genuine hobby was to know all the best food and dining places around the city he lived in. And oh boy! He was good at talking about them, mentioning the prices, commenting on the reviews and knowing even the taste buds' reactions to different flavors available in each spot. He honestly could turn into a chatterbox if you asked him about places to eat in the city of fighting goats**. It was brilliant! Like a little podcast broadcasted live in front of you! And in those endless stories about the best bistros, stands, bars and inns Fat Bob Burgers would always be mentioned!

This is how my craving for one of their meaty treasures grew and grew and grew. I must say: the image my friend created in my head didn’t put the joint in a favorable position. The margin of error was non-existent. They would either blow me away or completely blow it.

The day has come, and the brilliant logistician (that is my friend) finally has taken me to Kramarska street to try the handmade wonders from their kitchen.

THE PLACE IS TINY

That was literally my first thought when I entered the restaurant. Somehow I didn’t imagine this probably the most popular burger place in one of the biggest cities in Poland to be so small. It seems intentional though. The restaurant is somehow cozy and tasteful (not only when it comes to food but also to the interior). Because it is hard to find free seats Fat Bob always seems to be busy, with a constant buzz of people chatting and others queuing to get their food.

MODERATION (and the lack of it)

There is one thing that you'll notice when taking a look at the Fat Bob’s menu and one has to appreciate it. It is a well-thought and modest place clearly owned by people who know and (even most importantly) like what they’re doing. The burger menu has 10 different positions, which might seem a lot, however, each one of the burgers they make has something unique to offer and you probably won’t find such combinations in other burger places.

TASTES FROM TOP TO THE BOTTOM

As a newcomer to the world of Fat Bob Burger I found it hard to decide which one of the witty-named sandwiches I wanted. Following my friends’ advice, I looked for simplification and opted for the klasyk (classic) position at the top of the menu. I got exactly what I wanted: two types of melted cheese on top of 200g of high-quality beef, bacon, caramelized onions, gherkins, salsa and the Fat Bob Burger’s relish. I must say: it was huge. When I mentioned moderation above - well there was none! It is a really big burger and I recommend bearing that in mind when you want to impress your friends and order two classics. And it was gooooood. My friend didn’t lie. Not surprisingly.

That’s why on my second occasion when I had a chance to go to Fat Bob Burger I was actually more than happy to do it! This time I also followed my friend’s advice and decided to try the very last position on Fat Bob’s menu: orzech (the nut).

It is a no ordinary burger and I must admit that I was quite excited to try it out. It is made with 200g of beef, bacon, jam chili, peanut butter, romaine lettuce, leek sprouts, and grated carrot. To say the least: intriguing. However, equally brilliant as the klasyk burger which was enough to sign me up to the long list of Fat Bob Burgers fans. The only thing I would recommend is to ask for some extra cheese when you order the orzech. Some mild, melted gouda would make it a truly amazing combination of sweet, hot and savory flavors dancing on your taste buds.

Of course, these two burgers were only teasers. There are so many other types I’d like to try out. Pork seems interesting with a bit of pulled pork on top of the beef. Or maybe I’ll go totally veggie and try out the meatless option with halloumi, oven-baked mushroom, mushroom mayo, and carmelized onion? Or maybe the burger called ser (the cheese) with 3 types of cheese on top of 200g beef stuffed with more cheese, salsa and rocket? I’ll see what the day brings, but after being there twice I’m bound not to be disappointed.

GO EXTRA

Here is, I think, the most surprising bit about Fat Bob Burger - some people come here not to have a burger but specifically to enjoy one of their extras, which in my opinion can be viewed as a success of this tiny restaurant. At first, I was slightly taken aback by the fact that my friends would go to a burger joint only to have their sweet potato chips! Or just a battered bacon, or simply calamari with basil mayo! I saw my friends doing it, and other people having only one of the Fat Bob’s snacks. Then I saw those side dishes and… well, I totally understand. Even something so simple as bacon in breadcrumbs looks truly delicious and when one is not starving I can perfectly understand why Fat Bob’s sides might seem more than enough.

SHOULD YOU TRUST YOUR FRIENDS?

Out of my experience: always!

I know there is the maxim claiming that you should trust no one.

Maybe you should.

As well as you should eat healthy, sleep long, and run in the morning.

I prefer to rely on people around me and eat in Fat Bob Burgers.

The choice is yours.

Below you’ll find Fat Bob Burger Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Fat-Bob-Burger-367229973451935/menu/

*Politechnika - University of Technology, many of my good friends graduated from the one in Poznań

** the city of two fighting goats - rather a metaphorical way of calling Poznań, which was inspired by the two fighting goats that every day can be seen on the Poznań’s town hall tower, these two goats are a symbol of the city.