Grub Hub: Fat Boy's serving up fat burgers

MORRISON – Toby Lindeman, owner of Fat Boy's Bar and Grill, had a simple reason for naming the business in downtown Morrison.

"’Cause I'm fat," Lindeman said with a laugh.

Since 2002, Fat Boy's Bar and Grill has been serving up mouthwatering burgers.

When I walk into the building, the first thing I notice are the bright video gambling machines near the entrance.

A small number of tables is spread throughout the middle of the restaurant, and to my left several black stools line a large bar.

Televisions are spread throughout the restaurant, and a string of Christmas lights hangs over the bar.

The restaurant's menu is a simple one. You can play it safe by getting a regular half-pound hamburger, cheeseburger or bacon cheeseburger.

You can also get adventuresome and try the Fat Boy Burger, which includes two half-pound patties, two slices of cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions.

I decided to get a regular bacon cheeseburger, which is not the type of burger you get at a fast-food restaurant.

The burger was thick, yet it was really juicy. It was also really filling. I think I'd have a hard time finishing the Fat Boy Burger.

The toppings and seasonings were not overpowering, so the taste of the hamburger was not lost.

It's not just me who likes the burgers. Fat Boy's goes through between 30 and 40 pounds of ground beef each day.

There are also plenty of sandwiches available, such as a pork tenderloin, fish, and grilled cheese.

All of the items on the menu are sold individually. Appetizers include hot wings, mini tacos, jalapeno poppers, and onion rings.

"We have a mature crowd that comes in here," Lindeman said. "Not the young crowd that drinks until 2 a.m. Some families come and bring their kids to eat."

Lindeman said he gets customers from miles around.

The establishment relies heavily on word of mouth to promote its business.

"The longer we are open, the farther away they come," he said. "When we first opened, people came from in town because no one knew about us. Now, we get people from the Quad Cities, Dixon, Clinton, everywhere."

This is a good place to visit if you are in the mood for a thick, juicy burger. The establishment may be small, but it leaves a big impression.

THE SKINNY ON FAT BOY'S BAR AND GRILL

Where: 201 E. Main St., Morrison

Hours: Grill open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

Atmosphere: Bar and restaurant that doesn't attract a younger, rowdy bar crowd

Service: Servers friendly; meal prepared fresh

Sound level: Pretty quiet for a bar; people keep to themselves

Chef recommends: Burgers

Drinks: Fully stocked bar; regular drinks available

Salad bar: No

Video gambling: Yes

Reservations: No; first come, first served

Website/Facebook/Twitter: No