Through many tweeting birds, I keep hearing about Five Guys, but not really had any interest in trying them. They look fairly similar to how I would look at an In N Out joint as far as the red, white and yellow themed brick and mortar, but that's about it. Since driving by their building before their opening, my interest sparked and started to wonder. Perhaps trying them during a non-hyped time was a better move. Therefore, I was open to trying them without having to wait in two hour lines as I've heard versus a 5 minute wait. We did just that. What should I order first?
Since I had some activities northward of O'ahu, I was happy to finally drive to Mililani. Parking was effortless! I didn't have to dive through a mosh pit to get to Five Guys. I was relieved at the site of no lines, no craziness of any sort for a burger. I've heard from my originated east coast partner in crime that people have compared Five Guys to In N Out Burger before. "Blasphemy!", as I gave him a funny look. I did my best not make this a west meets east kind of thing, but being a west coast native, I grew up with In N Out and loving In N Out. Five Guys is located inside Town Center of Mililani, near the Consolidated Theatres. You won't miss them since they are on the corner unit with red benches aplenty for anyone wanting to dine outdoors. They have two entrances; one door leading you immediately to the cashier. Look central, free peanuts aplenty in a shell for scooping. Wow and a short, fast ongoing line makes this place that much more attractive. Wooden top tables whether it be high tops or a table that seats 6 are available for the taking as long as they're not busy. Bathrooms are around the counter for the beautiful wahines and kanes to use. From what looks like a sign updated daily said, "Potatoes are from Idaho Falls, ID. Howard Taylor & Sons". I like knowing where my produce is from and this was a nice touch to acquire while waiting in line.
It was simple as 1, 2, 3. While their menu spreads a nice selection of burgers, it was nice to see they also have hot dogs (Kosher style), cheese, bacon and or both. Sandwiches are also on the menu with an option of veggie style, grilled cheese, or BLT (I will try this next time). I ordered the Little Bacon Cheeseburger, (which was not little at all!) I love their free toppings option (Mayo, Lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, mustard, relish onions, jalapeno peppers, green peppers, A.1. Steak Sauce, BBQ sauce, hot sauce) Love the option of being able to order the hot dogs and burgers as bunless! You can't always have a burger without the fries and we ordered the Cajun style which was only okay. They're not as crunchy as I hoped they would be. Fountain drinks aplenty (regular or large size, free refills), water bottles are also available for purchase. My favorite part of the meal is the Peanut Butter milkshake and loved the bacon as an additional in my topping (good to add to any milkshake they said) with whipped cream on top. Orders are always packed to go and are wrapped nicely in foil and the fries are housed in a tall cup. As far as my burger evaluation, I'm good with the freshness of the veggies and taste of the sauce. However, the bun was too soggy. I enjoyed the flavors and this was certainly an artery clogging type of meal and it did quench the hunger in me. The Peanut Butter milkshake was unforgettable and I would love to keep coming back for that.
What's my intake on all this? I would love to try their sandwiches and hot dogs on round 2 of another trip here and a different milkshake to add many more bacon toppings with. But certainly is far out in comparison to my beloved In N Out. The freshness level is completely out of this world when you bite on an In N Out burger. Perhaps I have to try the legit Five Guys on the mainland?
Overall rating: 3.5 read more