Fatty’s Burgers Opens On Church Street

After a decade in Lincoln Park, Fatty’s Burgers & More has opened a second location in Evanston, at Church Street and Dodge Avenue. 

The burger shop known for it’s extra-large patties occupies the former site of Bop ‘N Grill at 1903 Church St.—a location that has been a burger place for more than 30 years.

“The corner of Church and Dodge is a goldmine as far as restaurants are concerned,” said owner Vincent Pryor, noting the intersection’s proximity to Northwestern University, downtown Evanston and Evanston Township High School across the street.

Fatty’s Burgers & More offers a lineup of specialty burgers in 1/3 and ½ pound sizes, topped with the usual favorites like bacon, avocado, jalapenos and chili. The menu also includes grilled chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers and veggie burgers, among other items.

Pryor opened the restaurant in November, and said that so far, the “Original Fatty’s Burger” was the most popular menu item. Diners can buy a lunch special that includes the burger, fries and a drink for $8.70. 

Asked what his favorite burger is, Pryor said he was partial to the Bacon Burger. He also said that the “1 Lb. Lineman Burger” is a cult hit. 

Recently, one patron came in to order the lineman burger. Noticing the man’s stature—about 5’6” tall and 125 pounds—Pryor and his staff tried to dissuade him. But the customer was confident he could handle the full pound of meat. 

“He ate it in like nine minutes,” Pryor said. Now, he said, Fatty’s has an unofficial “Lineman Hall of Fame.” 

Pryor opened the Lincoln Park location of Fatty’s Burgers in 2002. Because the Evanston location, at 1,000 square feet, is about double the size, he’s able to offer a greater variety of menu items, he said. And he tweaks the offerings based on what people like—which could mean adding bowls to the menu, for example. 

“We try to get the vibe of the neighborhood, what they’re asking for,” Pryor said. “We want to be a part of the culture in Evanston.”

Following a grand opening on Friday, Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, Ald. Delores Holmes (5th Ward) and other city officials ordered a round of burgers. The mayor said she would “highly recommend” her veggie burger, while Holmes said she loved the Original Fatty’s Burger.

The restaurant also offers delivery, at www.fattysonline.com.