Emilia reviews an unexpected quirky gem backdropped by retro signs in Moorabbin

Press PLAY to hear Emilia’s full review

Fat Bob’s

80A Cochranes Road

Moorabbin

Tucked away in a slip lane within an industrial estate in the backstreets of suburban Moorabbin sits Fat Bob’s – completely unassuming at first glance. The only clue you’ve arrived somewhere special is the lime green 1936 Ford coupe parked proudly out the front.

If you didn’t know to go there, you’d drive right past what might be the ultimate man cave. It’s like stepping into Bob’s personal playground – walls covered in vintage signs, a thrum of conversation from booth-lined walls, burgers sizzling in the open kitchen, spiders (the drinkable kind) on every second table, and beers heartily encouraged. The restaurant sits behind Bob’s own signwriting workshop, and everything about it feels like an invitation into his world.

Russel, you would’ve had a field day with the vintage advertising signs. There’s “Bex is Better,” Peter’s Ice Cream proudly claiming to be “The Health Food of a Nation,” and even a tobacco ad from a company I probably shouldn’t name- though it’s still… great. Among the collection are some classic Melbourne icons too: an old Salvation Army City Temple sign stretches across the roof, rescued from the former Salvos HQ on Bourke Street, and one of their signature burgers takes its name from the famous Jackie O sign that once looked out over Acland Street.

There’s plenty to take in before you’ve even cracked open the menu – and once you do, it only gets livelier. The burger list is sprawling, with many named after the very signs on the walls. No punches are pulled when it comes to ingredients either – they cater to every preference, even the questionable ones. So, ready to put your burger convictions to the test?

Does beetroot belong in a burger? If so, go for the Fat Bob’s: a 180g grass-fed beef patty stacked with beetroot, tomato, red onion, tasty cheese, bacon, pineapple, egg, cos lettuce and Fat Bob’s signature sauce.

Does jalapeño belong? The Hummer Spicy has your answer: beef, tomato, jalapeños, red onion, cucumber, tasty cheese, and “HUMMER” spicy mayo.

Does an onion ring belong in a burger? Then the Spartan is for you: beef, tomato relish, cos lettuce, vintage cheese, bacon, onion rings and caramelised onion with Carolina BBQ sauce.

Would you have your manhood challenged by fire? The Firestone is built for brave mouths only: beef, house-made Carolina Reaper chilli sauce, bacon, jalapeños, pineapple and lettuce. “It’s spicy, not for cry babies!” as the menu warns.

Is pulled pork a burger or a sandwich? You be the judge with The Champion: 24-hour braised pulled pork, crisp slaw, grilled pineapple and Carolina BBQ sauce.

And yes, even the vegan and gluten-free folks are looked after. There’s The City Temple (crumbed eggplant, mint yogurt, cos lettuce, tomato, hummus and pickles), The Argus (mushroom and artichoke patty, guacamole and red pepper relish on a beetroot bun), and The Velvet (black bean and brown rice patty with beetroot and vegan Fat Bob sauce). You can sub in a gluten-free bun for any of them.

And that’s not it for the burgers. There are chicken burgers too – grilled or fried – and simple classics starting from $13.90.

But for me, the real stars of the meal were the starters. My top pick? The popcorn chicken with creole mustard – absolutely addictive. A close second was the mac & cheese bites with red pepper relish, and the buffalo chicken wings definitely held their own. 

Most burgers sit comfortably between $17 and $20, with the classic Simplex landing at just $13.90, making it one of the better-value burgers in Melbourne for the quality you’re getting. Starters like popcorn chicken, onion rings and mac ’n’ cheese bites are mostly under $10, so it’s easy to fill up without blowing the budget. Even the kids are looked after with full meals (including fries) for just $13. 

Fat Bob’s isn’t just about food – it’s about atmosphere. It’s loud, it’s quirky, it’s full of colour and character, with something to look at on every wall and in every corner. Inspired by his visit to the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, Bob returned home with a vision: to create a space that combined his love for vintage signage and classic American diner culture. He transformed his own signwriting garage into a neon-lit haven filled with retro memorabilia, offering a unique dining experience in the heart of Moorabbin’s industrial estate. 

Locals quickly embraced this unexpected gem, and Fat Bob’s has since become a beloved fixture in the community, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and hearty fare. They even run car shows there. 

Whether you’re a burger traditionalist or a sign lover, Fat Bob’s delivers a feed with personality in spades. It’s a little slice of Americana tucked into suburban Melbourne and worth seeking out.

Images: Supplied