Blue Plate Special: Legendary grilled and charbroiled hamburgers, homemade onion rings and real ice cream milk shakes.

The Dish: The well-established SoCal-based burger chain has been "converting vegetarians" since 1952 when Lovie Yancy opened her original no-frills drive-up stand in West Hollywood. Since then, popularity and expansion has resulted in over 50 stores opening within a burger's whiff of nearly every neighborhood in Southern California; and more recently, in neighboring states, with former Lakers star Magic Johnson owning more than half of the venues. Curious first-timers can expect time-tested burger basics: top-quality meat patties (grilled or charbroiled per your request), piled high on buttery whole wheat or white buns with a choice of classic condiments plus a few inspiring add-ons like chili, bacon and egg. Despite their flabby moniker, Fatburger prides itself on serving the leanest meat in the business.

The Atmosphere: It's hard to miss Fatburger's bright red and yellow color scheme or the vibrant neon signs that proclaim "The Last Great Hamburger Stand." Inside is everything you might expect from a laid-back California burger chain, touched up with a '50s diner motif -- including jukeboxes, spirited workers and bright colors. Not surprisingly, kids and teens arrive in droves after school. But the hardcore burger contingent turns up in the late night hours, blissfully savoring their burgers as if they were fine steaks. -- Mikael Romano

Categories: Foods-Carry Out, Restaurants, Restaurants-Burgers

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