1303 Hay Street, West Perth
Ph: (08) 9226 4666
www.fatboyzsmallbar.com.au
Fat Boyz Fun
By 2030, the burger business is predicted to be worth $120 billion annually. Muscling in on a slice of cheese is West Perth’s Fat Boyz Small Bar, and what a slice of cheese it is. A block of crumbed cream cheese with 160 grams of pure beef ‘fatty patty’ dripping with melted cheddar and slathered in Fat Boyz house-made chunky jalapeno jam and bacon aioli. That is some muscle.
The Fatty is super popular at Fat Boyz and it is easy to taste why, though their Candy Bacon Dub, candied orange glaze-soaked generous portions of streaky bacon ribbons between two 160-gram beef patties, plenty of house-pickled zucchini slices, onions and lavish quantities of chedda, is a close contender. Their buns are soft and they offer a gluten-free and vegan options. The accompanying steak-style fries are fluffy and crisp. Fat Boyz burger patties have an 80/20 percent lean beef to fat ratio so there is nothing nasty in them, just ground beef and seasoning, the perfect canvas for all the other powerful flavours.
If you are after an even meatier mouthful, Fat Boyz’ Birria Tacos are stuffed with slow-cooked brisket and come with a traditional Mexican stew (birria) style consommé, which is luscious and rich, smoky and spicy; ideal for dipping or drinking straight from the bowl. The Cheeseburger Dip might also find a place in your soul. Who does not want to drown their burger in spicy Mexican cheese (queso) dip?
Lighter menu options include Tofuyuzu: crumbed tofu, zucchini, spinach and house-made yuzu mayo. Or for sharing (or not), half-a-kilo of flaming hot, smoky BBQ, lemon pepper or spicy pineapple, sweet chilli chicken wings. Fat Boyz chicken skewers with mole verde; a thick, green garlic and coriander concoction with tomatillo’s (green tomatoes), green capsicum, jalapeno and crushed pepitas is moreish and fragrant, and one of the many menu elements reflecting chef, Debora Macedo’s, Brazilian heritage. The chicken is marinated with juniper seeds and lime slices.
Arriving in Perth eight years ago, Debora completed her culinary qualification with Empyrean and has worked with Matilda Bay, The Revely, Indigo Oscar, The Garden in Leederville and Rottnest’s Geordie Café. She started at Fat Boyz in March 2024 and in July, fellow Brazilian, chef Mescia Neres joined. There is certainly a festive vibe at Fat Boyz and I wonder if this South American influence has something to do with it. Fat Boyz cocktail creations certainly add fuel to the fire and Fat Boyz graffitied counter and poster-plastered walls ooze groove. It is perfect for private parties and functions, something owner Jimmy Durrant is keen to promote. There are ample indoor and alfresco spaces with accessible onsite amenities and street parking.
Fat Boyz started as Bar Bizu, a tapas restaurant, 10 days before the birth of Jimmy’s son and one year before the onset of COVID. He navigated the business through lockdowns and social distancing by adapting to the increasing demand for takeaway. However, Jimmy does not want Fat Boyz to be known only as a burger place, but as a ‘dude food’ venue, boasting trendy food using chef-prepared quality ingredients which can be enjoyed with a beer, a wine, a cocktail or something lighter.
Changes are in the air with plans to be available as a private function space on weekends, offering corporate and social catering and even to experiment with breakfast.
Keep an eye on their website for opening times and ever-changing menu.
By Phoebe Sinclair
