Five Guys has been in the Bay Area for some time now; so why is it that I only recently decided to check them out?
Well, it's simple: having heard through the grapevine this East Coast transplant had naaaythin' on our beloved In-N-Out, it was easy to dismiss the curiosity (especially with my left-coast-is-the-best-coast pride thing going on).
Fast forward to a few weeks ago -- oh hey. Vi's at Five Guys. WTH, you might ask? It was a matter of convenience. Also, when it was suggested to me as a choice for lunch, I have to admit that my intrigue was mildly piqued once more. So we went.
How it works: you pay for your "Little" or Regular burger/cheeseburger/bacon cheeseburger... and by little, I mean one patty vs two in the regular; it doesn't actually meant that it's a smaller burger. Then, at no additional charge, you may add unlimited toppings ranging from mushrooms to peppers, hot sauce to BBQ slather. Fries are additional and come plain or Cajun style (dusted in a rub/spicy seasoning of sorts). Drinks are also additional.
Our order:
Little cheeseburger (4.59) http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/five-guys-burgers-and-fries-burlingame-2?userid=25-qCHqEJWOzawwSDxyoNw#0SCvYQsUmfiAHu74MlQnyA
Little bacon cheeseburger (5.39)
Regular cajun fries (2.99) http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/five-guys-burgers-and-fries-burlingame-2?userid=25-qCHqEJWOzawwSDxyoNw#D-HDWVZ-vkoeohS0tjj7JQ
Two sodas (2.19 each)
Total - 18.78 out the door.
Personally, I think that's kind of pricey for a non-service burger joint, but I have to admit, it was a decent meal. Also, it might just be that the drink prices are a bit outrageous, but in any case................... the beef was beautifully tender (a major qualification for a good burger in my book), bun was that squishy-soft that I sometimes crave, free mushrooms (another OH-YAY-GOOD-JOB point added to the tally), and the cajun fries were an ample portion for two people and had an interesting kick.
Now, comparing Five Guys to In-N-Out is unfair as they're two completely different animals. Five Guys has that homey backyard BBQ charm to their burgers whereas In-N-Out is in a league of its own. Fat patties, an extensive array of toppings, and let's not forget the free peanuts if you so choose... all good things, my friend. All good things. However, you have to consider that at the same time, for a full burger, fries, and drink meal at Five Guys, you could almost get two cheeseburger meals at In-N-Out. Cost wise, my cheap ass is a bit hesitant.
Regardless, I'll still be back once in a while when I crave this type of burger. I liked it, I did. Again though, I just feel it's a bit on the high dolla dolla bill side for not having an actual waitstaff. Call me burger-betch. I. Dont. Care.
3.5 rounded up. read more