It's a bad deal no matter how much or little you pay if the fries suck

The fries are all right, not as great as they claim to be, better than most, but it's absurd that your only choice is 5 lbs. of them (since they throw in all those extras into the bag) for nearly $3. It discourages me from going there solo because I don't want a $10 fast food burger tab and to eat an entire bag of russets for lunch.

Mike, you have another choice: 15 pounds for $5!

I thought the fries my first time were good, but not amazing. The second time? really outstanding, and at the level of WaSC or Hot Doug's. I forgot to get the seasoned fries both times, too, so I'll have to go again and break the tie.

I agree with Mike G's assessment of the fries. After hearing everyone say how great they are, I can only think people must be used to eating really crappy fries.

I like the fries at Five Guys, but I make sure I ask for them to be well done. Makes a big difference.

Of course the amazing fries at Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston are another story...

fries are great, burgers are nothing special. my short take.

Marquee wrote:I agree with Mike G's assessment of the fries. After hearing everyone say how great they are, I can only think people must be used to eating really crappy fries.

I think this sums it up.

I gave it another try after my "free" experience at the soft opening. Fries were a little better, but still not as good as the twice-cooked variety as WaSC/Poochies/etc. The burger is OK, but all I can think about is Wendy's when I am eating it. The bacon might be a little better than that chewy stuff Wendy's uses but to me the rest is just passable. I'd actually prefer a char cheddar burger (am I correct in assuming these are pre-formed frozen?) and cheddar fries from the Wiener Circle if I was over by the Clark/Fullerton location.

I tried the cajun fries tonight for the first time. Absolutely terrible.

RobK wrote:Fries were a little better, but still not as good as the twice-cooked variety as WaSC/Poochies/etc.

FWIW, the fries at five guys are twice cooked, too. You can watch a video of the process at http://www.cheeseburgershow.com -- the segment on Five Guys starts at about 5m30s.

If only In-N-Out were coming...

pairs4life wrote:I went to the one on Clybourn today. I just ordered the fries. They looked great & they were plentiful. But, as my husband would say, they could aspire to be underwhelming. The outsides were crisp, but the insides were a bit mushy for my taste. The small fries were $2.89. That is a bit much for potatoes. I normally don't complain about prices, but I guess you notice these things when food isn't great. All I could think of was how many pounds of organic yukon potatoes could I have purchased to make the Easier French Fries featured in Cook's Illustrated last summer? .

For comparison, fRedHot's small frites are $2.49 -- it's a very large "small" serving, includes a dipping sauce, and are freakin' outstanding (although their sauces could use a bit more punch).

just calling them 'frites' has gotta be worth at least a buck, all by itself. maybe five guys should call theirs frites and then they could charge four bucks an order.

Made it to the new Five Guys at Randhurst at noon today.
The line was to (but not out) the door, but moved swiftly, helped by a bin of peanuts right inside, and a very busy cadre behind the counter.

Ordered a "little" cheeseburger (1/4 lb -- the regular is two patties of same, more than I need for lunch), regular fries and drink. $9.32 with tax is a bit more than I like to spend on a fast-food lunch.

The burger was outstanding: juicy without getting soggy, grilled onions and mushrooms nicely cooked, jalapenos thinly sliced avoiding any excessive localized heat while overall upping the intensity.

Fries were also top-of-class: crisp, browned, and definitely fresh cut -- they list the source of their spud provider in grease pencil on a sign on the wall. Today was somewhere in Idaho that started with an "S", but I forget exactly where. Maybe not as good as fRed Hots (ashamed to say I haven't been to Hot Doug's for comparison), but pretty close. The $2.99 "cup" rather thoroughly runneth over -- there were probably twice as many fries outside of the cup than in. It was probably enough for two for a reasonable lunch, I didn't share and now need a nap.

Verdict: At this price, I'm not likely to go very often for lunch, but if I'm looking for a quick bite near Randhurst and don't want a $1.50 dog and Coke at Costco, I'll go back again. For dinner, I'll consider it, although Bogie's across the street and Emma's on Euclid also make very good burgers. Between this and Meatheads in Northbrook, it's a tough choice, made easier by close proximity to Five Guys. Fries are better at FG, burger toppings more diverse at MH.

[Edit -- corrected Northbrook burger joint name]

JoelF wrote:. Between this and Fatburger in Northbrook, it's a tough choice, made easier by close proximity to Five Guys. .

Just to clarify, you mean Meathead Burgers not Fatburger. Unless there is a Fatburger in Northbrook that Im not aware of.

Fixed

I've not been to one in Chicago, but have been going to the DC area ones for a number of years as that is where my in-laws live. I do like their burgers and fries, however, I can't stand the fact that they use canned mushrooms. That is just wrong!

Ordered a "little" cheeseburger (1/4 lb -- the regular is two patties of same, more than I need for lunch), regular fries and drink. $9.32 with tax is a bit more than I like to spend on a fast-food lunch.

I dont disagree with this - however, it seems to be increasingly true everywhere (note a laudatory post last week about Edzo's, for example, that mentioned in passing a 30+ dollar tab for 3...with a shake its likely to actually be more). These places arent as cheap as Mcd, BK etc - but theyre offering more "fresh fast food" to compensate I suppose.

The burger was outstanding: juicy without getting soggy, grilled onions and mushrooms nicely cooked, jalapenos thinly sliced avoiding any excessive localized heat while overall upping the intensity.

Fries were also top-of-class: crisp, browned, and definitely fresh cut -- they list the source of their spud provider in grease pencil on a sign on the wall. Today was somewhere in Idaho that started with an "S", but I forget exactly where. Maybe not as good as fRed Hots (ashamed to say I haven't been to Hot Doug's for comparison), but pretty close. The $2.99 "cup" rather thoroughly runneth over -- there were probably twice as many fries outside of the cup than in. It was probably enough for two for a reasonable lunch, I didn't share and now need a nap.
Verdict: At this price, I'm not likely to go very often for lunch,

I wouldnt consider myself a Five Guys partisan, per se (hardly ever been to them a couple times since they hit Chicago).. but Ive been one of the very pro-Five-Guys posters in this thread in the past. And its for similar reasons you actually mention above - good burgers and IMHO top-class fries

I note you mentioned previously in the thread that "Fredhots small frites are 2.49, and are a 'large' small serving"... now that youve experienced the monstrously large size of Five Guys "regular" 2.99 serving would you consider its fries a worse "value" than Fredhots, for example? I personally dont - I consider it a far better value (primarily because I actually happen to like Five Guys fries *more* than Fredhots myself.. dipping sauces dont do *that* much for me, Iam one of the few people who actually find Fredhots fries quite overrated, personally
And, as you say, the "regular" fries is all you ever need at Five Guys for one person, no one should ever really order the "large". (The drinks are about the same price I think - but some Five Guys actually have free refills I believe?)

Again, I dont neccesarily think Five Guys has the *best* burger -and-fries in the world or anything - it doesnt. But IMHO the burger is pretty good, and the fries outstanding (only maybe Top-Notch and WASC have clearly better fries to my taste, IMHO). For a chain that is IMHO ridiculously good... and it has all the advantages of a chain (ie in several locations, reliable etc). The reason I havent gone much to Five Guys since theyve hit Chicago is that there isnt one *near* me... and places like WASC are. But when Iam in Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Naperville etc..Iam very likely to end up at the local Five Guys, simply because IMHO they will be one of the best options in the area (they are, IMHO, far superior to Culver's, Steak-n-Shake et al - except that Culver's offers frozen custard

For dinner, I'll consider it, although Bogie's across the street and Emma's on Euclid also make very good burgers. Between this and Meatheads in Northbrook, it's a tough choice, made easier by close proximity to Five Guys. Fries are better at FG, burger toppings more diverse at MH.

Hm. I havent been to Bogie's or Emma's - are they really great burgers? Always great to know of a couple extra options! (To my taste burger toppings are sort of overrated though - I dont even usually use lettuce and tomato on mine, so Id always choose FG over MH personally I think, just for the superiority of the fries).

c8w

Value-wise, Five Guys' fries are probably equivalent to fRed Hots -- they serve more of them, and cost a little more. As you said, the dipping sauce isn't really much of a factor, I always view condiments as lagniappe (and Ketchup is my preferred medium anyway). It's still a lot of money for a lunch side at either place.

Both Emma's and Bogie's serve char-grilled, thicker burgers. Apples and oranges from Five Guys.... I wouldn't call either "great" but they're both "very good." But I can get soup or salad, and if someone wants other than a burger, there's something to eat. Table service is also a factor -- we often go out to be served: If'n I wanted to bus my own table, I can do that at home.

Certainly all three have their advantages over Steak'n'Shake, at the other end of the mall, but I'll hit that too, if for no other reason than the shakes and chilli.
SnS is a smaller burger, and has shoestring fries (which I don't care for much -- I'm upset by their recent change in policy for non-fries sides to be an upcharge), but you'll get out of SnS for less than FG, maybe a little more if you get a shake.

FG Randhurst does have free drink refills, by the way.

Mr. Maki and I just got back from the Randhurst Five Guys. Here are our thoughts:

Pros:
- Good meaty flavor. My burger actually had a little pink in it, which I like, and you never see in fast food burgers.
- I thought the seasoning on the burgers were good. I don't like most things too salty (I prefer what most people would probably consider "under-salted") and I thought this was noticeably salty, but not so much that I'd find it inedible.
- We thought the fries were decent- tasted like actual potatoes, nice peanut oil flavor, nicely salted.
- I thought the toppings were good quality- in addition to the usual condiments, I had tomato and pickle and they seemed very fresh.

Cons:
- The overall atmosphere. I was really surprised when I walked in at how messy the place was. There was trash all over the floor and some of the tables, chairs missing from tables and added to others (and no one was sitting at any of them, so they should have been put back, by the customer who moved them or an employee.) About halfway through our meal, it became evident that the source of 90% of the mess was one family, who had about 8 small kids, and were spread out at 3 different tables. They cleaned up most of their mess when they left and an employee cleaned up the rest, and it was better, but not great. Maybe I'm just used to Culver's, which is generally immaculate. And by no means am I afraid of a little grime (or "character" ) but there's a difference between a diner or a BBQ joint that has been there for 50 years and there's a thin layer of grease over everything. They've earned that dirt. This place has been open less than a week. Mr. Maki has declared that he doesn't want to eat in-store anymore because the fluorescent lighting and stark surroundings were just too unappetizing for him. I don't disagree, but it didn't bother me enough to not eat there again.
- We both wished our cheese was a little more melted on the burger.
- We were both underwhelmed with the bun. The burger and toppings had good texture and bite, but the bun was not substantial enough to match it. It was excessively dough-y, not sturdy enough. There was nothing special about it- it may as well have been from Burger King. We think a good brioche bun would be much better.


Overall, we'd go back, but not eat in-store. I would be worried abut how well it would travel though. Mr. Maki said it didn't make his top five burgers, and I'd tend to agree, though it's probably in my top 10. I think it's among the better fast food burgers out there.

I tried Five Guys over Halloween weekend in Cincinnati. The burger was good overall, outstanding for fast food. The fries were awful, pure garbage - but at least there were a lot of them...? I was told that the Cajun fries would have been much better, but it seems those have their detractors as well. Hrm. Fries may not be their strong suit, but the burger was very edible.

Verdict: These somewhat expensive burgers are still a great value due to their quality. Avoid the fries at all cost.

I had Five Guys this past weekend as I'd been craving for a while. It was probably my 4th or 5th trip to Five Guys. I've always gone to the Clybourn location which is walking distance to my place.

The burger is awesome. I think it's better than In N Out. Juicy, loaded with delicious toppings and great meaty flavor that shines through despite the heavy toppings. I get the regualr double cheeseburger and I've never had the bacon cheeseburger. I always get all the standard toppings - Mayo, Lettuce, Pickles, Tomatoes, Grilled Onions, Grilled Mushrooms, Ketchup, and Mustard.

Here's my take on the fries:
I agree with a couple of other posters that the portion is pretty ridiculous. If you go by yourself, there are way too many. They should offer a small portion for $1.50 instead for individuals.

I think the fries are good. I'd give them 3.5 stars out of 5. They are certainly made with quality potatos and so they taste fresh with that good earthy potato flavor. So I bristle a little at some of the harsher criticism because, like so many things, it depends what you like. But I think it'd clear that they use quality ingredients. They are not super crispy, so if that's what you like, you'll be disappointed. They also have that hint of peanut oil taste, which I very much like. The last time I went, I got my meal to go and sprinkled truffle salt on the fries when I got home. Delicious.

Was at the Randhurst opening and have been to a few other Five Guys establishments (Oak Park, Chicago) in the area. All in all, it's a notch above your typical fast food joint. I prefer Meatheads in Northbrook though - the fries are better and they have shakes.

I visited the LP location a couple months ago and while it wasn't a bad experience, it just wasn't worth over $10 for what I ate. I agree w/most on here about the fries. I didn't find them to be that great, though they were better than frozen, and I also didn't need 9 potatoes worth. It seems they are trying to appeal to those who equate good food with large quantities. For about 25% less cost I'd go there again, but at the current prices there are much better options in Chicago.

october271986 wrote:Here's my take on the fries: They are not super crispy, so if that's what you like, you'll be disappointed.

You can always order fries well done and they come out great. But remember to open the bag immediately or the steam will make them soggy.

I took my Dad to Five Guys in Mishawaka, Indiana last Monday. There is definitely a big difference between the little hamburger and the double. Everyone I've seen who got the little hamburger didn't really care for it, and everyone that got a double really liked it. I think the meat ratio on the double, while it is a bit much for many, makes for a beefier taste, and that meat is what can win you over. I agree the bun is nothing special. Anyway, he didn't really care too much for the burger, but he ended up getting a second little burger, so we cut the patty in half and made a half double for him which he preferred over the single burger. He loved the fries. I agree that Five Guys is a bit pricey, but I do leave full.

I stopped for a mid-afternoon lunch today, at the Five Guys Loyola University location in Rogers Park. The double cheeseburger caught my eye and I added lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion, and ordered, also, a large soft drink and a "regular" order of fries.

One of the first things I noticed about my burger was the bun, which didn't support the double patties of meat. The bottom half of the bun rapidly became paper thin, then ripped apart before I finished eating the burger. The meat was "okay," and nothing special (not much flavor) - and I'd rate it beneath Edzo's. I'd also place it below the average Burger King Whopper sandwich. The fries were just "okay," definately presenting a strong potato flavor, but there seemed to be something missing (maybe too large/heavy of a cut to fully enjoy).

The restaurant was doing a brisk business, almost exclusively Loyola University students.

So I tried it and tasted what's offered, but this isn't a burger stop I'm likely to make again. The burger filled me, but wasn't fulfilling.

Tried 5 Guys last week. Bacon CB, fries and small pop: $ 11.49 Mediocre at best on all counts. A few blocks away is Goldyburgers, where for a lot less than 11.49 I get one great Bacon CB.

stopped at 5 guys( akron,oh)yesterday. fry's are great, good peanuts & burger was one of the best burger's i have had at a chain. i would go back

My two cents: went to the Five Guys near Loyola. I was not impressed. The cheese (American) was like wax. The fries were pretty good but why no smaller size? Way too many. Not cheap either. With all the other good cheap burger offerings in Chicagoland I don't have to go back.
Happy New Year!
-Liz Barrett

My sister said a new Five Guys is coming to Deer Park Shopping Center (Rand Rd north of Lake-Cook).