I don't understand all the love that Five Guys gets. It's overwhelmingly average at best.
I like that I can get hot sauce, mayo and grilled jalapenos on my burger. That's enough to make me happy toppings-wise. It's just the the burger was pretty bland. The bun had no flavor whatsoever. The meat was almost too done, making it kind of tough and not as juicy or flavorful as it should be.
If it's possible for a burger to feel mass-produced and generic, that's what they have at Five Guys.
I don't really have anything negative to say about Five Guys, but now that In-N-Out has expanded to Texas, I can't wait for the "upscale" fast food burger showdown to happen in Waco. Among my friends, you're either a Five Guys person or an In-N-Out person (similar to the Freebirds vs. Chipotle argument), and I land in the In-N-Out camp. So, while I appreciate that Five Guys opened their Waco establishment. I'll try to not eat there as much out of principle that a better fast food burger is coming... Eventually...
Thought I was in for a treat...not. Burger meat lacked flavor and I don't think one should have to top their burger with tons of things to get a great taste. (like a steak) It should stand on it's own. I will not go back.
Went to Five Guys because I always heard great things. That was many months ago, and I cringe when I think about going back. Burger was overcooked and the fries were soggy. I usually love seasoned fries...I like the idea of enjoying the taste without the ketchup...Five Guys fries require a ton of ketchup just to get the taste out of your mouth. As far as chain burgers go, I'll take Fuddruckers over Five Guys.
I'm a pretty big fan of fast food burgers that are excellent (mostly because they are like four leaf clovers--rare, small, and green). HOWEVER, this one just doesn't add up. The meat wasn't incredible, the fry's were limp-o/wimp-o, and the buns were greasy on top of it all. Blech.
Five Guys is a bit of an oddity in the world of burgers. They aren't really a Fast food joint as the burgers are far too good to be classified as such, and yet they aren't really a sit down restaurant either.
I'd say that Five Guys has the best "quick" burger around.
The highlight for me ist hat there is no extra charge for toppings (other than bacon and cheese) and that I can get sautéed mushrooms and onions as well as the more standard toppings.
I would say for the type of place that it is, the prices are best described as moderate but the helpings are truly monstrous in size. A helpful tip would be to split an order of fries for your whole group as opposed to getting individual orders as I have yet to meet a person that could eat a whole order, along with a burger, by themselves. I also often get the "little" burger which comes with one patty as opposed to two and along with my portion of fries I have yet to leave Five Guys less than full.
Ho Hum. With all the hype and accolades (and a few recommendations) I was expecting more than just a mediocre burger and fries. I ordered a small bacon cheese and small fry and just about loaded the thing with toppings. Kudos for a set price and toppings "free".
Grades:
B = The beef was good, not fab, just good.
D- = Bun - standard restaurant supply generic white sesame seed.
B = Iceberg lettuce and tomato.
A+ = Fresh sliced jalapenos & grilled onions.
A = crispy generous bacon (compared to other "2 thin slice" places)
F = canned rubbery mushrooms. BOO!
C- = Thick cut skins fries (which I usually LOVE elsewhere) here were heavy and soggy - almost to the rubbery point. Disappointing
Now onto the ambiance...
Noise level from grill and music made it very difficult to order and enjoy company. Hard chairs and small tables made it uncomfortable to eat in.
Summary:
C for the food - average
D for the ambiance - below average
For the price, you can get a better burger and fries elsewhere.
Based on visit Saturday noon April 9, 2011
