Five Guys Burgers and Fries
May 14th, 2010 by craig
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he other night I was flipping channels and came across an episode of Unwrapped on the Food Network (it’s funny how often I end up on the Food Network when I’m “flipping channels”). I caught a segment on Five Guys Burgers and Fries. They looked pretty good – reminded me of the Big H at Hires in SLC, which I’ve always considered as having about the best burgers and fries I’ve had. So I thought I’d check out locations for Five Guys in Washington – on the off chance there was one I could stop into when I’m out and about. I was surprised to see that “coming soon” there will be one in Bellingham, about 2 miles from our home. The closest one that is already opened is in Marysville, just off the freeway. This evening, I happened to be driving by there so I stopped in for a burger and fries.
My oh my, what a wonderful burger place. I still rank the Big H as a better burger – primarily because of the bun they use – however, the Five Guys burger is a very, very close second. The regular burger is two patties of obviously hand crafted hamburger and can be dressed any way you’d like it – including my favorite burger compliment: grilled onions. They also have a smaller burger, which is just the one patty. The fries, again obviously hand cut, were also very good, and very, very plentiful. The girl at the register explained to me, the “regular cup of fries is enough for 1-3 people,” and indeed, I had had enough fries before I even got the cup – after putting the burger and cup in the bag, he dumped an incredible amount of fries in the bag over the top of everything.
I was a little surprised to find that there are no “combo” offerings: you pick your burger, you pick your fries and the drinks are self serve. The décor was interesting, with bags of potatoes, and boxes of peanut oil prominently featured throughout. I couldn’t help but be reminded of my father when I saw the bulk peanuts available for guests to open and consume while waiting for their burger and fries.
I know that many of you out there have already had the Five Guys experience – for those that haven’t let me add my recommendation and encouragement to try them out. I’m sure I’ll be going back often to that one opening in Bellingham – as it turns out it’ll be open this Monday!
That is Justin’s top choice for burgers. He goes there quite often. I’ve only eaten there once, and I definitely enjoyed my burger. And the fries… very good. And plentiful. lol. Glad there will be one in Bellingham!
I’ve never heard of them. Probably not in NY or NJ but I’ll check.
What I do miss though is Central Park. Haven’t seen one since I left Utah, but there was one near the Redwood road campus of Salt Lake Community College, and those burgers and fries were not only divine, but very cheap….
Craig, you’re the first person besides me that I know of that likes grilled onions with a burger… : )
Okay, there is one in Brooklyn and two in Manhattan. Will have to remember to try one the next time I’m in there. I had never heard of Johnny Rockets until I moved here. Don’t know if they are out west anywhere. I do like that place.
Ashley – Kristin says bring Justin up here and we’ll buy him a burger!
Robert – Grilled onions are the best, on or around the burger! I have been to Johnny Rockets, there’s one in Tukwila near on office I have to go to every now and then. I’ve only been there once, quite some time ago, and I don’t recall how good it was.
I like grilled onions on almost anything. I’ve never heard of or tried 5 Guys – but look forward to trying them! How do they compete with what I deem the best burgers at Red Robin?
Craig- we are planning on coming up there for Bumbershoot this year! And we will make it up to your place and take you up on that offer 🙂
Randy M. was actually the one who forst took me to this place, I in turn took Chris. This has become our Friday night fav. Five Guys on Friday, and Dillon reminds us every week!
Randy, Theresa, and Jeff all rave about 5 guys. Obviously, being celiac, I have not had the pleasure of trying their burgers but I did have some of their very tasty fries. Some of the best I’ve had and I can tell you 5 guys is one I wish I could try (one of the highest complements I can give, I think)