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Today was my second ever visit to Five Guys and it was certainly a step up from the first visit. For all you Five Guy newbies out there - be advised that a regular burger (or cheeseburger, bacon burger or bacon cheeseburger) comes with TWO burger patties. If you only want one, order the Little Burger.
I felt rather brave and ravenous today, so I went with a regular cheeseburger with ketchup, lettuce, tomato, extra pickles and mustard. They forgot the mustard, but I was ok with that. A few bites in and the guilt set in, especially as I stared at the pile of fries also sitting in front of me. The fries today were very fresh and not greasy, a major complaint I had from my first visit a few months back.
Five Guys gets a bonus point for having malt vinegar readily available, but overall it was not a life changing experience. They do make everything to order and you're allowed to have as many (or as few) toppings as you'd like. Other than that, it wasn't all that memorable.
If you want a gourmet burger around Center City, go somewhere like Parc or Good Dog. But if all you want is a step up from fast food, go to Five Guys. They grill their burgers fresh when you order, they have lots of good toppings like grilled mushrooms and A1 sauce, their fries are good and generously portioned, they have malt vinegar for the fries, they have free peanuts to snack on while you're waiting for your burger, and they seem to be relatively clean.
Five Guys is fast food, but their burger beats the hell out of a Big Mac.
I had a hankering for a Five Guys burger the other day and as soon as I scarfed it down, I was in a state of deep regret.
Okay, I like Five Guys. I think their food is better than most fast food places. The burgers always taste decent (though somewhat sloppily thrown together at times), the toppings are free and they give enough fries for you and a friend to share (they're pretty filling--seriously, a handful of those and I'm spent). But less than five minutes after eating this crap, I still get that ew-gross-I-just-ate-fast-food-and-it's-sitting-lik e-a-hunk-of-clay-in-my-stomach feeling. I've yet to meet a fast food meal that doesn't make me feel like poo afterward, no exception here.
For that, I can't give any fast food place (unless they serve some bombdiggity fries a la the Girard McDonald's) more than three stars. I will say though, Five Guys is definitely better than any Wendy's or Burger King (gross!) in the city. And this location is always pretty clean. That helps.
It is time for me to stop eating Five Guys Burgers. They are SO GOOD! I wish I was a vegetarian so that I wouldn't eat so many burgers. I'm not sure of the exact chemical reaction that happens in the brain, but the endorphin release is insane after eating here. It could cause an addiction. That's why I will stop (tomorrow).
Sorry, but no burger place worth its salt refuses to cook its burgers to the customer's desired doneness. If it does, it's just a glorified McChain. I asked for a medium burger and was told they all have to be fully cooked. I got it anyway, but it was nothing special. The fries were pretty good and the service was fine, hence the second star. It wasn't that bad but from averything I had heard it should have been amazing.
Note: This wasn't the branch I went to, but I can't remember which it was because I was taken there a long time ago. I assume they're all basically the same though.
Edit: I just added a third star because I remembered they had malt vinegar.
This review is based on having a long history with Five Guys, since they started in Virginia. This would be 4 stars if it were my first experience here, but the ones in VA do it better. As in, unlimited peanuts, filling up your bag with fries (this location just gave me the paper cup's worth and a few extra), and better service.
That being said, my Little Bacon Cheeseburger was delicious. They got my fry order wrong. Around noon, seating became a battle (I recommend sitting by the window in order to avoid being sideswiped by people in line), and a group of well-dressed office guys blocked the soda machine for entirely too long (can't a girl get a Diet Coke?). Avoid the lunch rush if possible, and try a Virginia location if you want your money's worth.
It's way better than McDonald's, up there with Burger King, not quite Wendy's and doesn't hold a candle to In N Out.
I give 5 Guys an extra star because they have 'Little Cheeseburgers.' I don't have much of an appetite and hate to waste food, so this is the perfect size for me. However, the whole props for logical proportions goes out the window if you get fries and a soda - the "small" ain't so small, unless you happen to be a giant.
I was also stunned by their choice of music. During my lunch I was treated to songs by such classic rock faves as Chicago and Toto. Maybe this was their way of making sure customers weren't lingering too long?
Five guys is great. This one is always pretty busy and pretty quick.
What makes these burgers is that a) peanut oil b)whatever toppings you want for no extra cost??
c. the mini burgers and other options are also really great. Their fries are super tasty.
And I might as well compare it to in-n-out: I prefer the peanut oil that they use for everything. They don't charge for extra toppings (though I don't recommend you get it all..it's a lot). The fries here are so much better than in-n-out's skinny runts that are all wilted.
It's pretty awesome. Sometimes it's so crowded it's hard to find a seat. Story: I went with a group of people and my friend mentioned she always had the worst luck at "fast food" places. She ordered her burger and it came with no...patty. hahahahahaha it was so funny. (everyone else was fine..and yes, they gave her a new burger with the patty in it.)
These are the best burgers around! Fries are delish and the quality of their food is great. I love the fact that you can put as many toppings as you want. Reminds me of Buddy's Burgers in West Chester, PA and Cheeburger, Cheeburger in Tempe, AZ.
Can't wait to get back to Philly to have some 5 Guys!
If you love burgers you have to try Five Guys!
Great burgers with lots of toppings at no extra charge. The fries are cooked in Peanut Oil and they are really good, especially the cajun ones! The place is pretty simple. Burgers are wrapped in foil, fries are put in a regular cup and everything goes in a brown paper bag! Simple but very tasty! This is my favorite CC burger place!
It is what it is. A worthless phrase that makes no sense whatsoever applies here. I cringe when I hear it, I dually cringe when I type it. The burger is two steps above fast food so I will judge it as such. $5.19 for the full size; $3.99 for the little guy. The little guy will fill most people up for a lunch. The full size is a double patty. You can almost taste the grill char but just a teasing hint. The toppings are free and plenty, you just have to order them at the counter, they don't have a fix-ins bar. The regular fry is enough for two (malt vinegar is a +). Add a drink and this will set you back $15. A cheap date! You will need to walk this off as it sits in your stomach like a brick or like a double patty burger with a cup full of fries. Keep the burger in the tin foil and slowly pull it back to keep the burger intact. tTe melted cheese causes all the topping and bun top to slide off.
Went to Five Guys and thought, "hey this is going to be a great experience."
I left Five Guys and thought, "hey, that was a lot of calories."
Be prepared for unhealthy. Be prepared for the unhealthy. You can load your burgers with whatever you want, but it's nothing special, and in the end it just feels like a Whopper Jr. from Burger King. Don't let it fool you!
Some facts:
The burgers are pretty soft and juiceless.
The fries are geared towards quantity not quality.
There are no shakes or malts or juices--just a couple fountain soda selections.
Some things that are tolerable:
The walls are decorated in slogans and quotes about the business. I think my favorite one was "several cuts above fast food," which is not exactly a compliment.
There are peanuts on every table--a call back to the fifties perhaps?--I will never understand.
You can't beat the price for the amount of fat and calories you're getting.
Blah. Providing the customer with mounds of french fries does not cover up that fact that your burgers are subpar. The burgers I destroyed on my George Forman grill when all the teflon wore off tasted better than these, and cost less. Overall, less than impressive. I could get a burger for Wendy's for less than $2 and leave more satisfied.
There sure are a lot of comparisons to In-n-Out so I thought I'd give my two cents about these two places also.
In terms of taste, I'd definitely choose five guys! A cheeseburger is ~$5 but you get all the toppings you want! That is an awesome deal, especially when you can from ALL these toppings but I wouldn't recommend it :P Toppings include Mayo, Relish, Onions, Lettuce, Pickles, Tomatoes, Fried Onions, Sauteed Mushrooms, Ketchup, Mustard, Jalapeno Peppers, Green Peppers, A-1 Sauce, Bar-B-Q Sauce, and Hot Sauce. With so many toppings to choose from, I don't know how you can choose in-n-out burger over that! Especially when it comes with two meat patties! Also, their cajun fries are good. It is also fresh cut potatoes like in-n-out but the portion is huge so I shared them with two other people. We left here very stuffed!
In terms of price, it is a bit more costly than in-n-out so that would be the downside in comparison. Also, I wish they toasted their buns like In-n-Out because that's another thing I'd say In-n-out has on this place.
Service was also quick and you get free peanuts :)
A hamburger or cheeseburger better than In-N-Out? Yes, I believe Five Guys has it. I thought it would be just like an In-N-Out burger, but it was different in its own way. I-N-Out burgers probably have fresher lettuce, vegetables, and possibly a better sauce. But with Five Guys, the meat is larger, hardier, plus comes with many customizable toppings. You can add Jalapenos, BBQ sauce, A-1 Sauce, hot sauce, onions, pickles, tomatoes, relish, mayo, fried onions, or whatever combo you desire.
It also comes with free peanuts, which is a nice treat. The fries remind me of the frozen-wavy-types you buy frozen. Not the best fries ever, but still good.
Five Guys isn't the best fast food burger I've had, but in terms of comparing all the joint's burgers and cheeseburgers only, this is probably the best.
If you're in the mood for feeling your arteries clog up, and smearing grease all over your face, well than you're in luck.
This place is for you!
The Burgers are eh? and the fries are overly greasy and spiced up. I'd rather eat at Burger King and that's not saying too much.
Two words: it's good.
Now, a few more.
Yep, it's a chain. But it doesn't serve inferior product (they'll even tell you where their freshly cut fries' potatoes were sourced). Burgers are cooked--and made--to order with as many toppings as you can pile on. For free.
The restaurant always looks spotless, except for the stray peanut shell, and the folks behind the counter are generally friendly.
Overall, skip Wendy's, McDonald's, and the rest of the chains that are--literally--killing you with their chemically modified ingredients. Five Guys costs a little bit more, but the ingredients and quality are worth it.
I stopped eating meat a while ago and Five Guys is the one thing I really miss. Sure, i can make a better burger myself, but there is something special about Five guys. Maybe just cuz it isn't in "NoLibs", mayber cuz it isn't full of pretentious douche bags, it's just good stuff.
Ah! I thought referencing the ultimate hamburger heaven (In-N-Out) was going to be original, but it seems I was beat to the punch. Five Guys is our East Coast alternative. And there are no religious ties. Nothing wrong with religion...I just don't like to get it mixed up with my burgers. Oh, good buns too.
On a recent Thursday between meetings I needed a quick bite. I was thinking Wendy's and lucky for me the line was crazy, I remembered Five Guys was around the corner. I quickly ordered, was very impressed same toppings I use at home (tomato, fried onion, cheese and BBQ sauce) perfect the wait was under 5 mins.
How do this guys do it? There is nothing special with any of the ingredients...The burger was one of the best ever. I am hooked!
They get 3.5 stars, really.
I think the burgers are a lot like Wendy's, honestly. The differences are that they are the bit thicker, they toast the bun and you get more topping options. But the quality and flavor is similar, which is not a complaint because I do like Wendy's on occasion. But honestly, these could never be 5-star burgers because they are all cooked well done. I like mine still bleeding and, if possible, still mooing and I'm willing to accept the possibility of food poisoning.
Last time they forgot the cheese on my little cheeseburger with everything. But they usually get it right if you don't order with a big group of people.
The fries are pretty good, definitely fresh and greasy. I like the cajun ones the best.
The burger buns have a weird chemical flavor that I do not like. That is probably my biggest complaint other than the fact that they are overcooked.
Still, it is very cheap, especially since the last local "gastropub" burger I had was $11.
Skip the Wendy's down the street and come here if you are in a burger mood. Quick, greasy burgers with a bunch of different toppings. Always hits the spot.
The fries... not so good. Be careful. They will shovel more and more into your bag. I think this is an attempt to get rid of them.
Keep the burger, hold the fries.
A good value burger that's convenient and quick. The fries are solid, but not spectacular.
Personally, I prefer a burger that has more going on than just a couple pure-beef patties on a bun. Good Dog still stands out as my burger of choice, though I am anxious to try one at Misconduct Tavern.
This place has the distinction of being the FIRST place I ever ate at when I first came to Philly. It was a block from my hotel and I was STARVING. I've come back a few times since, and they've consistently delivered a great tasting burger.
They have a pretty big list of toppings you can add onto your burger, but I usually stick to mushrooms on the junior size (their larger burger is pretty big, it's nice they have that option).
It gets pretty busy during the lunch hour, but I managed to spend less than 10 minutes in there start to finish with about a dozen people ahead of me.
Bring a wet-nap, and be careful, the bag tends to soak up the grease!
You have got to love Five Guys. I'm still not sure where I rate it next to In N Out but it definitely beats the rest of the competition. Funny, I just realized that the little burger part of the menu exists. I guess I just get so happy when I walk inside and automatically start thinking about a bacon cheeseburger with two patties and bbq sauce etc, and those cajun fries. The music is also great. The people who work there are friendly, although strange sometimes. A must visit.
I do not eat beef. Therefore, five guys made me sad :(
not many options unless you get grilled cheese AND get lots of toppings AND put fries in your sandwich. THEN maybe you got something substantial there. I like their fries. But otherwise, I get sad seeing no other options besides so much cow :(
They do have a mean kosher..hot dog? hamburger? i forgot what my kosher friend got?
"Burger like it's your backyard." That should their slogan. Their burgers are awesome. No gourmet Rouge stuff, no Kobe meat just plain awesome burgers.
Get the boardwalk'ish fries and can you believe they have Malt Vinegar! I can't say enough about them. Except that maybe they're a bit slower than 'fast' food, but that's not a big deal. Shell a few peanuts for yourself at a table while you wait for your number to be called, why don't ya. Oh and ya, i get it, i get it....you're generous with the fries....got it. How about some bigger 'fry containers?" Instead of the dixie-cup-runeth-over-of-fries bag.
I can easily compare this place with In & Out back in California but I'm not going to. I actually like this place more. Even though it is a little pricey just for fast food burger and friends it was nice to sit in a place that offered free peanuts while you wait. I simply ordered a bacon cheeseburger along with fries to go and man I was surprised to see so much food. Not only did I get a nice hot burger but they gave a generous helping of fries also. It's a very solid place to go if your hungry.
I love this place. LOVE. However, it is out of this universe unhealthy. Burgers are super greasy, loaded with whatever condiments you want, a fresh bun, mmmm just delicious. Cajun fries are fresh and seriously yummy too. I come here maybe 1-2 times a year, but if health/calories didn't matter I'd be here a lot more.
Service is quick and very "Philly". Got the regular fries instead of Cajun. Female cashier "hooked me up" and let me not only keep the original, but gave me 2 orders of Cajun fries. Wowzers. Not sure I needed all of those fries, but just, wow.
Just got back from the Bay Area and In & Out's got absolutely nothing on Five Guys.
When ordering, go for the jalapenos. Unreal.
I'd eat a Five Guys burger every single day if I didn't care about my arteries and girlish figure.
I very rarely consume red meat and french fries, due to the kind of effect it has on my stomach. Sometimes however, you get the urge. And when I get the urge, it's Five Guys time.
Pretty damn impressive for a chain - these burgers are fresh and delicious. And the Cajun fries, drowning in Cajun spices, are little potato slices of heaven. The only problem is - your breath will be plagued with the spices for about as long as it takes to get through your system. Ha.
Surprisingly, I don't feel like death after eating here, but it definitely makes me sluggish. Not recommended before or after strenuous physical activity.
One less patty is the way to go but I still drown myself in fountain soda, but I gave my extra fries to the homeless dude out front!
It was good. Definitely next time I will get one patty not two. I will try not to eat too many… Read more »
I would give them 3.5 stars.
I came here craving a cheeseburger, but to my disappointment, the bread overpowered the meat, bacon, cheese, and mushrooms! I like that they have a mini size, as the regular size would just have been way too big.
Their fries were pretty good though (the regular ones, not cajun).
Let me preface this by saying that I am a "verge-atarian" (On the verge of vegetarianism) and even I can appreciate the carnivorours, juicy joy that is Five Guys. The "little" burger is big enuf por moi and I load that bun with all the complimentary veggies. (All the toppings are free - other than cheese and bacon - which are not even neccessary - given the amount of artery clogging fat already present in aforementioned juicy burgers.)
I have also never gotten the fries - as after eating the burger my grease quotient has been met for the day.
But I do occaisionally indulge in a single little burger from five guys. It is worth the 8-10 minute cooked to order wait.
Yes.
It's worth it.
I was reminiscing about In and Out two days ago, and it got me thinking - is there a burger (and solely burger) joint out here in Philly that I enjoy. The answer was yes! Five Guys.
But I should be fair. You can't really compare In and Out and Five Guys. The former is light and portioned just right; the latter is heavyyyy. Every time I eat Five Guys, I feel like I should start running again. Then I order Five Guys' Cajun french fries.
Enough rambling - this is my fav place to get a quick burger in Philly. It's clean, the service is prompt, you get free peanuts and the fries are absurdly tasty. I come here whenever I'm in the area and have the slightest pangs of hunger.
Five Guys will satisfy that craving for a burger that is a few steps above standard fast food. The meat emanates savory characteristics and you will get burger juice dripping on your hands. It is worth it.
As for the fries, they were ok. I do not feel that they live up to the hype that the establishment thinks they do.
I like how all these reviews compare Five Guys to In-and-out while saying "you really can't compare them." Sure you can, you just did!
Five Guys is like In-and-Out (or Blue 9 for Manhattanites) in thats its one of those middle ground burger places (Five Guys is to McDonalds as Baja Fresh is to Taco Bell. Ya heard?) The burgers are greasy, but hey, when is that a bad thing? I mean, this IS Philadelphia. I dig the burgers, think they're tasty. The draw for this place is its a fast burger thats better than fast food, and I agree with that. There is no place that gets you a burger this quick that is this good. Now thats not to say its the best burger ever (the Royal Burger or Good Dog Burger are far superior) but its a good option.
2 complaints: The fries aren't that great IMO, even though some people claim the are. Also, the wait for your food can be annoying. Since it has the feel and atmosphere of a fast food joint, you kind of subconsciously expect it to take 30 seconds, and it doesn't. But again, still faster than sit down and better than fast food, so take it for what it is.
Five Guys also has lots of sacks of peanuts everywhere, which then prompts an onslaught of propaganda warning of the dangers of peanuts! This is a little off topic but, haven't peanuts been around for a while? Why is it the last 4 years its trendy to have tons of peanut warnings everywhere?? I don't see warnings for people with Celiac's in bars saying "warning! this beer has wheat gluten in it!" If there's a giant sack of peanuts on the ground, chances are there's peanuts around.
Okay, you can't reasonably compare Five Guys to In-n-Out, that's a given, but the burgers are pretty good and they have a wide range of toppings to choose from. (The hot sauce is a nice touch, if you like spicy food.)
I'm not crazy about the fries, and even when it's empty it takes FOREVER for them to make your burger -- yes, I know it's all made fresh to order, but it really shouldn't take 25 minutes to make one cheeseburger. That said, the burgers are good, especially by fast food standards.
My husband and I love this place. We've eaten at this location and the Washington DC location.
You choose what burger you want (I usually get the smaller one) and the toppings you want. It's really greasy and you can tell that your cholesterol level goes up with every bite.
The fries are REALLY GREASY. They pack your food in the classic brown bag. After a few minutes, your brown bag is soaked from the oil. They do give you a lot of fries....but they're not that good.
I actually like getting the grilled cheese. It's simple and I always wonder why I pay money to buy a simple grilled cheese when I can make one at home. But....it's just good. =P
Oh and this place always has free peanuts. =P
For fast food, five guys is really good. Very reasonably priced, yummy, fresh burgers with very fresh toppings, and about as cheap as burger king. Great fries too!
And despite that there is ALWAYS a line out the door, they move very fast, and get you in and out in no time.
Moorestown, NJ
Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: Market East
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