Five Guys Burgers: Good Burger, Change the Buns!
This past Friday evening, we were in the mood for burgers so we decided to try out the new Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries in University Collection Mall on Fowler near USF. I had first heard about Five Guys a few weeks ago in an enthusiastic email from fellow Sticksian, Joel. Since then, I'd read another glowing review about the newly opened Tampa location of this award-winning and Zagat-rated Alexanderia, Va. based old-school burger and fries joint.
When we arrived at Five Guys last Friday, we had the place almost to ourselves. The menu is simple - burgers, fries and hot dogs- no fancy combos or happy meals here. I decided upon a cheeseburger "all the way" (you get to pick from a mess of toppings at no additional charge) and Traci went with a hamburger with fried onions, relish, pickles and mustard. We also ordered a regular order of fries (cajun-style is also available), which we were told would be enough for two of us- it was and then some. Peanuts are available while you wait for your order to come up.
While my burger was tasty, the real star was the french fries, which Traci and I both agreed are some of the best fries we've ever had. I learned later from reading the reviews on the wall that nothing is ever frozen at Five Guys and the fries are cut fresh daily. It sure tasted like it. As for my burger, the two beef patties were tasty and I liked the mix of toppings, although I'll skip the sauteed mushrooms next time. Our only complaint with our burgers were the flimsy buns. While I love a messy burger, the bun quickly fell apart. A toasted, firmer bun would have been much better.
The counter service was friendly and everyone aimed to please. As we finished up our meal, business picked up. Five Guys is walk-in only. No drive-through. The Fowler location at least also serves bottled beer. There is also a new Five Guys open at the Brandon Town Center Mall and one about to open on Kennedy and Dale Mabry. Additional locations are planned for Carrollwood, New Tampa, Riverview and Oldsmar. It remains to be seen if Five Guys can maintain its quality and uniqueness as it expands up and down the east coast with plans for 1,000 locations eventually.
My favorite local burger remains the Chattaburger at The Chattaway in St. Pete, but in terms of fast-food burger joints (and I sort of hate to even put Five Guys in this category), it's hard to beat a burger from Five Guys. It's definitely worth giving a try. So what's your favorite local burger joint?
Bottom-line: If you're looking for a no-frills burger joint that focuses on serving great burgers and fries at fast-food prices, but with home-cooked taste and freshness, Five Guys is worth giving a try.
Inspection Scorecard: Last Inspection - November 2006 - Violations - Critical (3), Non-Critical (2).
I generally liked their burgers, but I felt the bun was too chewy, like cheap white bread. It may be a local thing, since the Five Guys I went to in Philly didn't have that problem. I also can't help but compare Five Guys to In-n-Out Burger, since both chains feature never-frozen meat, fresh-cut fries, and cheap red & white decor.
Posted by: Bob Smith | February 04, 2007 at 05:42 PM
Bob,
Thanks for your feedback and interesting about their buns tasting better in Philly. If so, maybe it's something the local stores will in time hopefully fix.
I've never been to an In-N-Out Burger before, but have read similiar comments.
Thanks and have a good week, Go Colts :)
Posted by: matt | February 04, 2007 at 10:26 PM
You know the eat-a-burger-upside-down trick, right? You're a gourmand, I imagine you do :-) It makes the Five Guys burger experience work a bit better.
Posted by: tim | February 04, 2007 at 11:57 PM
ha thanks, Tim. I still need a sturdier, less chewy bun! :)
Posted by: matt | February 05, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Not trying to tell you how to run your site; however, (here I go) why not add a word or two if the place has vegetarian fare. A burger sounds great! Do they substitute bean patties, tofu dogs, veggie burgers etc? Don't laugh. Soon they all will...
:-)
Posted by: kate | February 05, 2007 at 02:23 PM
I'm not laughing - veggie and organic is increasingly big business :)
Good news too- Five Guys does have a veggie and grilled cheese option.
http://www.fiveguys.com/menu.html
Posted by: matt | February 05, 2007 at 02:31 PM
And a vegetarian coworker enjoyed the veggie sandwich at Cinco Muchachos. It's not a veggie burger per se - no patty - but she still enjoyed it.
Posted by: Joel | February 08, 2007 at 12:40 AM
joel btw: unbelieavable re: your house- glad you are ok and sorry you have to go through this.
Posted by: matt | February 08, 2007 at 08:41 AM
When will your locations open in Trinity and Oldsmar? What is there addresses and telephone #'s? I ate at your store on Kennedy Blvd twice now and they are the BEST hamburgers I have had in a long time. I live in Palm Harbor and it is a long drive to Tampa.
Sincerely
Mike Pensel
Posted by: mike pensel | May 26, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Tastless burgers, rotting potatoes, cold canned mushrooms, cheap buns, flies everywhere - and this location (Westchase) has only been open for about a month. Save your money and go somewhere else.
Posted by: Pam | July 14, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Tastless burgers, rotting potatoes, cold canned mushrooms, cheap buns, flies everywhere - and this location (Westchase) has only been open for about a month. Save your money and go somewhere else.
Posted by: Pam | July 14, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Pam,
This is certainly the opposite of the experience I've had at several Five Guys before (the location in Tampa near USF, as well as the Ocala location).
Anyone else been to this apparently new Westchase location and care to chime in?
Posted by: matt | July 14, 2008 at 09:08 PM