March 31, 2023

Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express

Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express is a burger joint with a rich history, a retro aesthetic, and delicious customizable burgers and wings. This location has gluten-free bread for their burgers, so I had to try out the iconic Fatburger!

Disclaimer: This blog post was a paid partnership, but the views expressed here are my own.

Please note that Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express is not a certified gluten-free restaurant. There could be issues with cross contamination so please proceed with caution!

Why is Fatburger so good?

Fatburger uses the freshest ingredients that are cooked to order. The burgers are made from 100% pure lean beef, the milkshakes are made with real ice cream, and the onion rings (not gluten-free) are made from scratch! You can customize your burger with your favorite toppings or get “the works”, which includes mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, relish, and mustard. Learn more about Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express’s menu selections below.

This is an image of a sign that is in the interior of Fatburger and Buffalo's Express in Manassas, Virginia. The sign reads that the food is made-to-order, the chili is homemade, the onion rings are made from scratch, the milkshakes are made with real ice cream, and the Fatburger is made with 100% pure lean beef.

What are the hours of operation for the Manassas location?

Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express in Manassas, Virginia opens daily at 11:00am and closes at 10:00pm Sunday-Thursday, and 12:00am on Friday and Saturday.

What is the history behind Fatburger?

Lovie Yancey founded Fatburger in 1947, originally named ‘Mr. Fatburger’, in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It became Fatburger in 1952. Fatburger had dubbed itself as “The Last Great Hamburger Stand.”

Who owns Fatburger?

FAT Brands is the parent company of Fatburger. FAT Brands, a global franchising company that owns 17 restaurant brands, including Fatburger, acquires, markets and develops fast-casual, quick-service, and casual dining.

Tatum Global Services, LLC is the franchise owners for the Manassas location, which opened in September 2022.

What is on the menu at Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express?

First, let’s talk about the wings on the menu. You can get bone-in or boneless wings coated in your choice of 13 different flavors ranging from mild to “Scorchin’” hot. The wings are also served with your choice of blue cheese, ranch, or honey mustard. The wings are fried naked, but they are fried in the same oil as battered menu items, so please proceed with caution if you are gluten-free!

This is an image of the menu at Fatburger and Buffalo's Express in Manassas, Virginia.

You have so many options when it comes to your burger by adding as many patties as you want and toppings. If you’re feeling brave go for big boy, known as the XXXL burger or the ‘Triple King’. This burger is 1.5 pounds (before cooking) of meat and ranges between 1686-2050 calories.

This is an image of the buffalo wings at Fatburger and Buffalo's Express in Manassas, Virginia.

Or, if you’re like me, go for the original, which is only 1/3 pound and ranges between 590-790 calories. Of course, I went with the gluten-free bun. However, keep in mind that Fatburger is not a certified gluten-free restaurant and cross contamination may be an issue. The gluten-free bun really impressed me! It didn’t crumble like most gluten-free buns and it didn’t taste like cardboard. So, in my book, that is a win!

As I mentioned above, you can get “the works” on your burger, but you can also add on more toppings such as cheese (or dairy-free cheese), egg, bacon, onion rings, and chili.

Don’t forget to order a side when you go! However, if you are gluten-free, you should proceed with caution as the fries are cooked in the same oil as the onion rings and battered chicken. There can be some issues with cross contamination if you have a more severe gluten sensitivity or allergy.

What is the environment like at Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express?

The interior looks like a classic burger joint that pays homage to its founder, Lovie Yancey. Behind the stand where you order, you will find a full bar where you can order your choice of beverage with your meal. Ask for the Green Monster and let them know T from Sundays at T’s sent you!

This is an image of the dining room at Fatburger and Buffalo's Express in Manassas, Virginia.

This is an image of the bar menu with the full bar in the background at Fatburger and Buffalo's Express in Manassas, Virginia.

What is the service like at Fatburger?

This is standard in my restaurant reviews, and I would love to provide an unbiased opinion. However, I did not do a “secret shopper” visit so the staff knew I was there to capture content. I will go back soon in disguise and provide you all with an update!

Fatburger is a fast-casual restaurant so you’ll order at the counter and they will bring the food to your table. The food is made-to-order, so you may have a little bit of a wait especially if you go during a busy time.