2 for $20: Fatburger in Oakley

Lindsey Veigl of Union and Tammy Harrington of Lawrenceburg dine at Fatburger in Oakley. (Credit: David Sorcher | Metromix)

Founded by Lovie Yancey in Los Angeles in 1952, Fatburger bills itself as "the last great hamburger stand." And now, after a slow but steady buildup of hype, Cincinnati has a Fatburger of its very own (owned by former Bengals All-Pro Willie Anderson).

If you're looking for fast food in a festive atmosphere, you might want to stop by.

THE MOOD

Housed in the former Chili Company a few blocks from Oakley Square, Fatburger is a hustling, bustling place - or at least it was during the Friday lunch rush when my co-worker Amber and I made our inaugural visit.

The decor is funky but fairly simple: A black buffer splits yellow and blue walls. The seating is red and yellow, and there are boomerang-squiggles on the blue tabletops. The jukebox, with music ranging from rock to hip-hop, is the restaurant's centerpiece.

Adding to the experience was the vocal flair of the fast-moving staff, whom you'll hear yelling "Baby Fat!" or "Kingburger!" constantly as the orders come in.

THE FOOD

Sure, there are other options at Fatburger; you can get a chicken sandwich, or a turkey or veggie burger. But why would you? When the restaurant's name is "Fatburger," it's burger blasphemy to try anything else.

That should help explain why I opted for the $6.79 "fat deal," featuring a 1/3 pound burger with my choices of "skinny" (traditional) or "fat" (steak cut) fries - I chose the latter - and a drink. Judging by the size of the triple Kingburger being eaten by a man at a nearby table - whose friends were taking pictures with a camera phone - I made the right choice.

Short story shorter, my meal tasted a LOT like a classic Wendy's single combo. But I like Wendy's single combos, so I was pleased.

Amber opted for a 400-calorie "Baby Fat" with cheese, mustard, tomato and lettuce ($2.99) with skinny fries ($1.99). She liked it in a classic "I love you, but I'm not in love with you" kind of way.

THE DRINKS

Amber and I both had our choice of Coca-Cola brand fountain drinks ($1.79 a la carte).

THE DAMAGE: $14.61

Coming in nicely under budget, we left Fatburger full - and hopefully not carrying too much extra weight.

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