Since the hype began regarding Five Guys moving to the UK and Ireland, I've honestly grown quite tired of people going on and on about the place and how it's 'changing the burger game forever' (a quote I'd heard numerous times!). Even before I got to try the burger, I knew I'd be left somewhat disappointed by the high standards I'd let social media have me place on the burger joint.
Entering into Five Guys, the place looked exactly like I'd read about; red and white plastered on every surface, chequered signs directing what's on offer and a surprising buzz about the place as the production line was in full swing. As I waited in line to order I helped myself to a few monkey nuts which are stored in open bags parallel to the queue. I was extra hesitant to indulge in the monkey nuts too much as I wanted to leave as much room for my burger as possible, a nice touch though, who doesn't love monkey nuts! But if you want nuts you can go to the nut house, we're here for burgers!
It came my time to place my order and I went big, I got the double patty bacon cheeseburger, cajun fries and from a recommendation of a friend I got a bacon banana milkshake (that's right - BACON banana milkshake!!). My friend then ordered cajun fries and a bacon cheese dog........WHAT! BLASPHEMY!! Ordering a hot dog and not the burger in a place like five guys is like going to a steakhouse and ordering the salad. I thought he was crazy!
As I waited for my food to be cooked I tentatively went to try my meat/fruit milkshake (even writing that felt wrong) and let me tell you something, banana and bacon works!!! The sweet delicious bacon taste resonates through the creamy banana flavors perfectly complimenting each other. We can all agree bacon is one of the most beautiful things created by mankind, lets continue to celebrate this great marvel. Thinking back I've never put something back and thought "too much bacon in that" or refused a dish requesting one with less or no bacon. It makes everything better, the sooner we all realize this the world will be a happier place!
That's enough ranting about bacon for now. After watching my burger being freshly made for 5-10 minutes, judgement time was upon us. I was able to find a seat and braced myself for what I'd heard so much about. There's been a bit of a burger boom as of late with numerous places opening up and to be honest a lot of them had tasted fairly similar, each delicious but none mind-blowing. But the Five Guys burger - MIND-BLOWING! It was a perfect combination of grease, meat, cheese and of course bacon! The cajun fries were tasty as hell also! It's a good thing I didn't chow down too much on those monkey nuts as well as this was a monster feed! You're gonna need an empty stomach for this. I did have enough space though for a bite of my friends, bacon cheese dog and if the comparison I made earlier is correct, then ordering a salad at a steakhouse isn't all that bad! The dog was delicious, but as far as I'm concerned the burger is where its at!
Now the rating - cleanliness was good, everything seemed in tip-top shape and any tables that were vacated with rubbish were quickly cleaned for the next customer to use. One thing that blew me away was the enthusiasm of the workers, these guys LOVE their burgers and they're not afraid to show it! It's refreshing going into a place of work where the workers are enjoying their work, it really adds to the atmosphere. With regards to the price, yes it is a little pricier than other establishments, but I'm a man who loves and appreciates a good burger and don't mind paying a little extra if that's what I'm getting, which is exactly what I got here.
The only downside is that my January diet is going to have to be put back to February as if Five guys keep those patties as consistent as this visit, they've got a consistent customer in me 5 days of every week! I'll definitely be seeing you all again very soon! read more