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Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
1020 Garnet Ave(between Cass St & Dawes St)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 272-2105
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
127 reviews for Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Review Highlights
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"Love the choices and toppings available." In 28 reviews -
"The regular burger comes with two patties." In 9 reviews -
"Free peanuts while you wait for your food." In 17 reviews
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127 reviews in English
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Review from Tori H.
La Jolla, CA
5/5/2012
Great food!! Delicious burgers and fries. Sort of expensive for a fast food burger but it was good! Whats great about 5 guys is that you can choose what ever topping you want without any stupid charge for something extra. They also give a ton of fries (cajun fries are awesome) and the staff is friendly. They should start making onion rings!
5 guys is a must if you want a good quality burger! -
Review from Meow K.
San Diego, CA
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I must say I was left impressed and full and happy and got the "best bang for my buck."
I got a small burger and small fries and a water cup which came to a total of 7 bucks. Took about 10 minutes to make it.The employees seemed friendly and lively there.. but there was nobody around. It was really dead.
Got my food, the burger is actually decently portioned and the jalapenos were fresh instead of the typical nacho kind. And they got my toppings right! The fries were HUGE! I got the cajun style and they were so yummy.. kind of reminds me of Fuddruckers but it could be seasoned a little more. Very generous with the fries! I love it.
I'm not sure why people are comparing them to In-N-Out.. I would compare it to Fuddruckers. I would say this is the cheaper alternative, except you can't have specifics, like having a 1/4, or a 1/2 3/4 pound burger etc. Also you can't really have unlimited lettuce or tomato, and there is no delicious nacho cheese sauce. Ah well.
Great lunch stop. Especially when I feel miserable and wanna go on a "carbicide". -
Review from Kailey S.
4/26/2012
I was told that this place rivals in n out and upon trying the burgers I decided they are totally different. Either way I wasn't impressed. You can get tons of different toppings the price reflects that (whether you get toppings or not). I thought that it was overpriced for a fast food burger.
Nothing special about the burger itself. The only redeeming factor for this place is the cajun fries. You can get them cajun or regular. It is nice to have the option to mix it up every so often. -
Review from jeff l.
4/10/2012
Regular burger, small fries and large drink comes to over 11 bucks.
About the same price as the Burger Lounge but not as good.
I do like it better than IN and OUT burger though.
The fries are pretty decent for a fast food joint and way better than IN and OUT fries by far.
The burger seemed kind of small to me.
This place is a lot better than Sliders near the Roller Coaster.
For the value it is just ok.
For over 11 bucks I would expect more from their burgers but the fries are better than most. -
Review from Shalini G.
San Diego, CA
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
I finally went to five guys.
I wasn't expected to be blown away because of the wishy-washy reviews that I have read.
I have to be honest I really really really enjoyed my burger here.
I had a small bacon cheeseburger with just about everything under the sun on that burger. It was anything but small it was humongous.
Both my children had small cheeseburgers and hubby had a regular cheeseburger and that regular cheeseburger was a double cheeseburger!
we have a large order of Cajun fries between the four of us we ate only half.
We left the restaurant stuffed and more to satisfied. The burgers were fresh and delicious. Now I'm not trying to compare this to slaters or to the counter ...it is more of an upscale in and out. So don't go expecting gourmet but you can expect a darn good burger. -
Review from Caroline L.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2012
My brother took me here exactly around this time last year for the very first time. He told me about how it was an "East Coast" thing and how his friends were just ravinnnnng about it. Apparently, everything East Coast is supposed to be superb, so I thought, "Eh, I'm hungry. Let's try it out." Best. Decision. Of. My. Life.
I think what I'm about to do basically says it all. Alright, ready?I choose... Five Guys over In-N-Out. And Yelp won't let me do the bigger than sign so ten points off for not being able to make this cuter (really Yelp, really?).
I know. I went there. And as much as it hurts me to do so since I'm a Californian at heart (basically a Californian in general- I still live here!), I still feel compelled to be honest. Even if it costs me a billion haters in the end.
There's just something about there burgers that makes me thing, Wow! This is so great! I love all of the toppings, and the meat is so juicy and tasty. And they're Cajun fries, how amazing are those?! There is honestly nothing better than coming here at 1 AM on a Saturday morning after a long night of doing whatever shenanigans that caused me to miss my bedtime. There just really isn't. Sure, the burger is probably my days worth of calories, and maybe those fries contribute to that extra fat I end up running twelve miles for to burn off the next day. But it is so incredibly worth it to me. Whenever I'm with my sister and her best friend, we all give this look to each other that says, "It's a Five Guys kinda night." Seal the deal.
The staff is friendly, and so what if the cashier continuously looks you way? Take it as a compliment. I think its cute how they have those cards you can write on, and I love the fact that they have my favorite black tea. Oh, and the peanuts are cool as well. I really love the atmosphere, although I could do without the homeless people and drunk creeps that really need to get a life. But that's PB for ya.
All in all, I give Five Guys five stars. As much as I love In-N-Out, Five Guys won my heart from the very first bite. I believe that is called true love, my friends. -
Review from Youri Y.
Oxnard, CA
3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
First time at a Five Guys restaurant (not the first time trying their food) and I really like the old-fashioned look with potato sacks forming a pathway to the register and how their walls are embellished with their awards and winning recognitions.
My friend Katherine Y. and I split a cheeseburger with mushrooms, lettuce, tomstoes, grilled onions, ketchup and mustard and a large order of Cajun fries. I loved the Cajun fries because you could really taste the spices and pepper. The cheeseburger was okay but it was nice of the employee to cut it in half for us when we got it.
That same employee was really nice and I remembered he was trying to flirt with me but I was just responding nicely since I wasn't interested in him. How did I know he was flirting with me? When i paid for the food, he smiled a lot, asked where I was from and winked at me when he gave us our large order of Cajun fries (which was literally half the brown bag lol).
Regardless, great late night eats :9 -
Review from Daniel P.
Spring Valley, CA
4/23/2012 20 photos
This is going to be a good review mixed with a explanation of why and a criticism of all the bad reviews from people who have no understanding if what a proper food review is.
I go to yelp often to get information about things I am looking for in foods and places I am interested in trying. Keeping in mind that everything does not fit into a nice neat common package, I say this because if your craving a good ol skool from back in the day burger and fries and you are looking for quantity and quality you don't go to weightwatchers looking for it, DUH!!!! Sometimes the best reviews come when you least expect it. I see the trend of bad review coming from people who expect something in a comparison and that is what is happening here. THIS IS NOT IN AND OUT PEOPLE. Its something else and certainly better it its category. If your looking for smaller portions and healthy living, by all means go to in and out, in that category, they are great, I leave there still hungry every time. Just sayn! now for my review.
Yesterdays dinner was something of a wondrous event. I was walking by this place while walking the dogs in Pacific beach last night and decided Id check it out. The place is called FIVE GUYS and I guess its been around for a lil while, only 2 years in Cali tho. So anyway I decided to do a review and take some pics, Here is the result. Ill have to get there at least once a week for the rest of my life, OMG!!!!! I watched everything being prepared for my order, and it was fking great! Way more than I could possibly eat and nothing was in small amount, Complimentary peanuts to enjoy while you wait, and plenty of wall material to appreciate and educate yourself with what the place is all about. I ate so much I felt like shit trying to walk out the place, UGH!! It was worth it! I am hooked! I am not the kind of person to count calories nor do I sweat trans fat issues, if I die or clogged arteries when I am fifty, I had a full and happy life and the quality was there! Some people consider this fast food, NO NO NO PEOPLE! there is no drive through and the food is made fresh to order HELLO PEOPLE!!! This is a hamburger restaurant! and you get what you pay for, Free refills on drinks, more fries than any one person can eat and peanuts while you wait! wide open atmosphere and good background music, that just my taste! I waited only 10 minutes and everything was hot and fresh. If you order to go than its not going to be top quality when you get home THIS IS NORMAL, EXPECT IT!!!
Conclusion. In my humble opinion, this is a five star restaurant, not fast food under a warmer. Everything was made with attention to detail and care and I was impressed. I did grumble about price when I ordered but I apologized when I was done and got a quick education about all the history and how everything is made with the manager while I contentiously complimented him on everything! -
Review from Richard L.
San Diego, CA
4/23/2012
Don't knock it until you try it. Five Guys burgers are delicious and...better...than Smash Burger! The burger is wrapped in aluminum foil before it comes out to you so it stays piping hot. The patty is juicy, tender and has great flavor. The cheese is completely melted, and always go ALL THE WAY.
The french fries with peanut oil are good, though I would recommend regular over cajun. It comes to you in a giant brown bag, so be ready for grease.
There's an awesome touch screen soda machine which has literally over 20 flavors. The Dasani option comes with 6 different flavors alone. Peach flavored coke anyone?
It is a bit on the $$ side compared to a 99 cent cheeseburger, but it's definitely worth the money if you're looking to treat yourself. Kind of like if you lived up the hill from both Disneyland and Disney World and Disney World cost like only $5 more.
P.S. There's a complimentary peanuts waiting at the front door and at the beginning of the line! I don't understand it, but I like it. -
Review from Beeza B.
La Jolla, CA
2/27/2012
PROS:
Solid Burgers
Great Fries
Unlimited and interesting toppings
Friendly staff
Nice atmosphere
Good locations right in the heart of PB
Free peanuts! nice touch
CONS:
the burgers are about $2 overpriced, which is why they dont really deserve more than 3 stars because your basically overpaying for what your getting even though they are good burgers -
Review from Sarah J.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012 8 Check-ins Here
5 Guys has revived my love for big, juicy and fresh burgers!! I love all the topping choices and the kid in me cannot stop trying all the soda flavors!
This is my new guilty pleasure!
Only downside is they BLAST music in here 24/7. Call me an old fart but I don't want to be deaf when I leave a restaurant. -
Review from Cecilia S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's still A-OK, but I was reunited with my love, Cajun fries, this weekend. YUM!
And I still don't see how this place compares to In-n-Out....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/16/2011
I heard a lot of good things about this place, so I was pretty excited to try it out. My first… Read more »
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Review from David M.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2012
went to this place a few days ago. the burgers are quite good, and the service was really nice. the fries tasted great and the place itself was quite clean. it had a nice atmosphere all around. my problem was their soda fountain. it's very cool, but at least on this day there was too much soda water and not enough syrup, making the coca cola taste off.
other than that, it's a good place. -
Review from Anna E.
12/22/2011
Yep, still really good. I've tried this in a few other states and it never disappoints. I love all the toppings for the same price. Fries are great. I tried the cajun last time and it was ok, I like the regular better. And, they have quite possibly the best pop machine ever! There are like 20 different kinds.
Only downside is the bun they use doesn't hold up to the juiciness of the burger and all the toppings. -
Review from Vicki W.
San Diego, CA
12/19/2011
The first time I had Five Guys was in Pennsylvania and I definitely thought it was good and the burgers were massive. However, after eating it more a couple of times, I believe IN-n-out still wins.
The 4 stars I am giving to this place are for the FREE numerous sauces and toppings, the delicious and massive portion of cajun fries, how there are free peanuts, and for the taste itself.
A negative thing about this place is just the fact that the burger falls apart very easily, I mean it could be a good thing, but for me, it just gets too messy, and I can't eat it like a burger. Another bad thing is how expensive it is. It's too pricey for a simple burger and even for a hot dog.
If in-n-out had cajun fries and all the toppings, they would be invincible.
However, in the end, I do recommend trying this place at least once. I'm sure it will be worth your time. Their burger is something different, and you must try the cajun fries -
Review from Dan D.
La Jolla, CA
3/11/2012
We just got Five Guys 'to go' tonight. It was our first time, drawn in by all the hype.
My impressions mirror those that many others have already posted.
The hamburgers were ok. The patties tasted off-puttingly unlike meat unless you had a bite with cheese, and then they were fine. The buns also fell apart after the first couple of bites. The fries were a huge disappointment as well: limp, thick, and greasy.
I was also surprised by the cost. My bacon cheeseburger was $6.89. Fries were $2.99. A drink was $2.19. At over $12, that's more costly than "Islands," at which we would also be served bottomless drink refills and could have as many fries as we like. The price comparison against the likes of McDonald's would be even more unfavorable.
We won't be back. -
Review from Shanel S.
San Diego, CA
This place isn't all that it's hyped up to be. I mean it definitely is good when you're craving a burger and a ton of fries. There's just something about a burger that needs two patties to be good enough. I would much rather go to Hodad's to be honest. Now that's a burger!
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Review from Angela H.
7/21/2011
I gave this chain two chances already- once in New York and once in California. Both times made me want to vomit, and I only had two bites of their burger. I think my girlfriend ordered something with jalapenos in it while we were in NY, and the bf ordered a burger with everything in it.
This place is overrated. And always empty. To their credit, they have some awesome green tea. But that's about it. -
Review from Andy D.
1/2/2012
I'm just not that crazy about fast food burger joints anymore I guess. There's nothing wrong with this place. It's a good burger for what your paying, but it's nothing special. Like most places, the rolls are pretty blah. Like Chipotle or In-and-Out, the concept is pretty good. They're focusing on a few items, and nothing else. I think I'll just stick with burritos, subs, and sushi for my fast food.
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Review from Wade D.
Santee, CA
2/20/2012
Why all the hype about this place? I grant that they have some good toppings, but place them on a mediocre burger and soggy bun and what do you have? Yuck. Maybe soggy is a theme here because the fries are absolutely gross.
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Review from Chris A.
San Diego, CA
7/16/2011
While I pretty much am like most Americans getting a craving a burger decided to give Five Guys a try even though I was already expecting disappointment and they delivered!
I got the Bacon Cheeseburger which was 2nd to worst I have had here in PB. Aside from soaked in grease hand half-assed pattying skills the biggest rip was looking forward to bacon that was just burnt and overcooked crumbs, no actual slice that's for sure! Bun is of course a bleached flour cheap and poor quality product.
And they try doing fries with "Boardwalk" style where its one frying done with a big zero again. While I like most people prefer a crispy, 2 fried fry, I love potatoes just about any way! A well cooked BW style is usually limp and soggy but some salt and malt vinegar give it a little something, but Five Guys was cooked brown and raw giving it a meally, grainy texture.
I made it through about half the burger and a dozen fries before just pitching it and walking out disappointed. I sure as hell will never go there again or recommend it! -
Review from Jessie B.
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I will admit it, I was skeptical of 5 Guys at first. So many people had so many different opinions, I was sure it was just another over hyped, over priced burger joint. Plus I love me some In & Out, and it seems most people are a fan of one or the other but not both...
We were waiting for my husband's tattoo appointment at Sideshow, just up the street, and decided we should go ahead and have a bite to eat. Neither of us were hungry enough for a full burger, so we decided we'd split one and share two orders of fries (so we could sample both the regular and Cajun style).
A big plus for 5 Guys is that all toppings are included with your burger. We wanted to taste the meat, so we refrained from going crazy, just had the standard condiments, lettuce and tomato. The hubby likes it hot, so he got some jalapenos on the side. The person taking our order could tell we were sharing, so he offered to have our burger cut in half... Which I thought was a nice touch for a fast food joint.
The orders of fries are HUGE. Definitely sharable between two people. I wasn't a big fan of the Cajun seasoning, and still prefer Fatburger's fries to the regulars here... But really, it's a burgerjoint... The meat it what matters, right? And this meat delivers. Good sized patty, even on the smalls. Well cooked, not turned into a hockey puck. And they have flavor!
The only real downside to 5 Guys is the price. As another reviewer pointed out, a burger here will run you the same price as a whole meal at other fast food burger places.
5 Guys, you convinced me. I'm looking forward to trying a more customized burger at one of the new Vegas locations.
P.S. I still love you In & Out. -
Review from A d W.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
1/28/2012
Pretty good, not great, I never see that huge space busy, hate to see that monthy lease...Anyway, I thought it was a good burger, cajun fries damn good. But, walking out the door with a burger n fries for over $10, is still a little much because we Cali folk ALWAYS end up comparing ANY burger to In n Out, on taste and price. Yep, your right, not to many burger joints can compete with that, so you gotta offer something that makes you feel, or taste, that your getting something worthy. Good luck everyone. I woulda gave it a 2.5, but what the hey...
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Review from Dan B.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2012
Wow! The burger was amazing. The bacon was really bacony! I mean normally when you add bacon to a burger you can barely taste it. Not here. Everything was served fresh and I gon't to watch them make it.
Excellent value. You won't leave here hungry that's for sure! I even like their peanuts. A+ -
Review from Dan K.
Carlsbad, CA
5/21/2011
This place is completely over-hyped.
The food:
Good selection of toppings.
Bun is generic supermarket type and soggy.
Meat is average and flavorless.
Fries are interesting due to the peanut oil, but not all that good. DO NOT get Cajun spice unless you feel like drinking a gallon of water after.
Atmosphere:
Dirty, college fast food type feel.
Price:
Same as other new burger joints.
Verdict:
The east coast might love this place, but with the quality burger joints that have been on the west coast for years (ah hem, in-n-out) this place can't even compete. I honestly don't see this place going the distance. You are much better off going to Fatburger, Smashburger, In-n-Out, the Counter etc. and getting a quality west coast burger. -
Review from Terese S.
Aliso Viejo, CA
3/23/2011 1 photo
Always wanted to try this place. Hype Hype Hype!
Burger is fresh-- yada yada. Bacon is overly done in my opinion. Bake-o-bits is more like it. Bacon wrapped hotdog was mediocre. What's funny is that my friends and I actually had a bacon-wrapped hotdog from a street vendor the night before, and it was wayyyy better.
In-N-out is hands down the better (fast-food) burger joint. The thing that makes In-n-out so much more successful is that there are a limited amount of options. Yes, some people would not think that makes any sense, but it does. Costco even based their food-court off In-N-Out's philosophy -- pretty much, quality over quantity!
However, gotta hand it to Five Guys-- the Cajun fries DEFINITELY out shine In-N-outs soggy strings.
Happy Eating! -
Review from Tamara C.
San Diego, CA
5/2/2011
OK, so as a loyal local to Rockys, I finally found a convenient opportunity to give 5 guys a try. I think I heard about this chain on the food network or travel channel.
Parking is horrible, so if you get lucky and have past experience as a valet, you can park in the drive thru Chase banking section along the John Lennon wall.
Peanuts are awesome, no quams there.
Decor is very unoriginal and it simply touts about a thousand times how good of a burger it is including published best burger rankings throughout the nation (mostly east coast). So the entire time in line, you are thinking to yourself, DAMN this place better be good.
The format of ordering your burger is great, because you don't feel bad asking for substitutions and no mayo. They anticipate that people like their burgers THEIR OWN WAY.
But this is a burger joint in a sea of other great beachside burger joints so how does the patty taste? Patty does not have much flavor and is comparable to a burger at In 'N Out. The cheese is descent but not great. The cajun fries on the side were the only thing that kept my interest in what I was eating.
Maybe Five Guys needs to add a Sixth Guy that knows how to pick out and cook a Hamburger Patty!
- Tamara Cross Attorney -
Review from Yoomi C.
4/4/2011
I don't think you can compare In & Out to Five Guys. After alll the hype about how great their burger is, I decided to give it a try.. The burgers here are kinda pricey. While in In & Out you pay around 5 bucks for a meal, here you only get a burger. Meh, different portions.
When you first walk into the place, I thought the place was a little too big for a burger place. Kinda feels more like a restaurant but not really because of the large empty space.
We got the burgers and cajun fries. If you are getting fries, share it with a friend. The portions are pretty big. We had so much food leftover. Honestly, I thought the burger was overrated. I mean the choices of free toppings were extensive from mushrooms, relish, A-1 sauce, hot sauce, etc..
Maybe I'm too much of a In n out fan. The burgers were pretty good. The fries are FRESH! But, I'm not sure I'd go back. I rather go to Hodad's if I wanted a huge burger. -
Review from Sharon L.
3/24/2011
Is it a little ostentatious to take over such a large space? Expansive area decorated in colors strangely reminescent of another burger chain. Burlap bags filled with peanuts create a snake line leading customers to the cashier.
Large draw stems from choice of free toppings - things like mushrooms and A1. I ordered a hamburger with lettuce and mushrooms. Lettuce was very crisp and fresh. Mushrooms tasted canned. Bun was gummy and lifeless. The patty screamed homemade - uneven edges, juicy little craters.
Overall, though, nothing to write home about. Save your money and your stomach space. If there's a next time, I'll order the fries. -
Review from Mert C.
San Diego, CA
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
First and last time here. Look at the pictures of the food, that's what you get. Soggy bun, mediocre meat.... so disappointed. Definitely the most expensive fast food burger I've ever purchased, $12 for cheeseburger fries/drink. They say free toppings but just jack the price up on all the burgers. This is a glorified dairy queen burger, I couldn't even eat the fries, just go to In & Out.
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Review from Tina D.
San Diego, CA
12/23/2011
I think this place is over rated. I would rather eat at In-N-Out or Burger Lounge. I think those two places have better burgers. I don't see what the big crave is about this burger joint. They get 3 stars since its OK priced (a little on the over price side), a burger is a burger (at least they can't mess that up) and of the cool soda machine. OK not impressed
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Review from Jae C.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2011 2 photos
There's this whole debate about five guys vs. Inn n out.
I can honestly say.. Inn n out wins by a LOT.
At this particular location, it's very spacious. I enjoyed the complimentary peanuts! There seemed to be peanut shells all over the ground. I felt like I was the only one neatly putting aside the shells on my table. Was I suppose to throw the shells on the ground?
Anyways,
five guys is a lot pricier that I expected.. but the fries are reasonably priced.
I think the only thing I like about this place more than I like about inn n out is their fries! Their fries are REALLY GOOD! You get a LOT of fries for cheap. Also, you get a choice of ordering either regular or cajun flavored fries. Always get cajun! -
Review from Lauren L.
San Diego, CA
1/10/2011
The debate over "best SD burger" falls somewhere on my interest spectrum between doing quadratic equations, listening to Black Eyed Peas "My Humps," and literally sitting on my own fist. In other words, I just don't care.
That said, Five Guys is the shit. $5 gets you a perfectly sized burg on a delish sesame seed bun. A couple more bucks gets you the best fries in PB with a chka-Cherry Cola. I call that a good deal, dummy!
Rocky's, which always seems to be packed with fat guys in Hawaiian shirts, and In-N-Out, which smells likes your grandfather's neglected belly button, both seem nothing but sub par in comparison. I'd throw Hodad's in for comparison to complete the trifecta of obnoxious burger joint refernces, but I've never eaten Hodad's sober so who the hell knows how it actually tastes?
The only problem with Five Guys is that I live a block away. Damn you and your delectable burgers, Five Guys. I'm hooked!! -
Review from Nick T.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2011
I dont care about the free peanuts. I dont care about the " free " toppings or add ons because theyre really not free. Youre already paying for it because this place is a blatant rip off of In n Out at double the price.
I just dont get it. In n Out is down the street. They make better burgers for half the price. The fries at In n Out are better. The service is better.
This place may get all kinds of kudos in the East Coast or the Midwest but who cares. This is San Diego and I will always pick In n Out over this copycat.
Im not just talking trash. Ive eaten here. They need to make their patties bigger. Halfway through my imitation of a double double I ran out of meat and had nothing but bread and other stuff but no more meat.
Epic Fail, and the fries suck. -
Review from jessica r.
San Diego, CA
10/9/2011
Not bad, not spectacular but not bad. The burgers are a bit pricey, I would go back if I was in the area. I definitely think they are better than In and Out but I do think Smashburger is better.
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Review from Albert W.
12/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
Have peanut allergies? If so, this place is pretty much a deathtrap. The complimentary peanuts our hero chowed down on while waiting 20 minutes for his "fast" food order was a pretty obvious deterrent. If that doesn't give you the hint, perhaps the Boardwalk style fries fried in peanut oil will get to you.
Five Guys has been receiving a lot of praise from self-proclaimed burger aficionados and newspapers alike for some time now and their long awaited West coast expansion has been a welcome joy for many. Although it's not a McChain like McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, or Carl's Jr., it's still quite a large quick service food franchise with East coast roots. It's hard to believe that they've added over 700 locations since franchising their business 8 years ago.
As for the food, it is ridiculously greasy. All the brown bagged orders are spotted with oil the moment you get them. Being wrapped in foil, the burgers get smooshy and the fresh ingredients in them (such as lettuce and tomatoes) get warm and slightly cooked the longer you wait to eat it. Although the "fully loaded" burgers here are edible, they simply can't hold a candle to their home grown competitors such as Hodad's in San Diego in the realm of totally stacked hamburgers.
Our hero might not think much of your burgers, but at least President Obama still likes Five Guys (http://www.msnbc.msn.c...).
PROS:
- The $2.99 servings of fries are freshly made with skin on and are big enough for 2 or 3 people.
- Complimentary in-shell peanuts when waiting for your order.
CONS:
- At almost ten bucks for just a cheeseburger and fries, this isn't exactly cheap fast food.
- Service is rather slow for the fast food feel of the joint, and it doesn't have the right ambiance for a gourmet burger experience.
- The free peanuts schtick leads to some dirty shell-covered floors, not unlike Bub's dive bar down the street.
- Five Guys isn't much of an environmentally sustainable business. All their burgers are wrapped in tin foil instead of biodegradable paper and they make no distinction in the packaging of to go or dine in orders. -
Review from Ace D.
12/16/2010 3 photos
I was cruising down Garnet with my nephew looking for something to eat. To my surprise, Five Guys have opened up their new location in PB. Our hunt for a quick lunch was over, so we pulled in the rear and had to pay $2 parking.
We have been to the Liberty Station joint a few times, so we knew what to order. We both opted for Bacon Cheeseburgers, but mine was "All The Way" and BBQ sauce. We shared an order of fries (which could actually feed 3) and got our own sodas.
I elected to find a spot in the corner, so we can gurb and watch Garnet Avenue. This location is pretty decent. There's plenty of space to be hanging out. My teenager nephew's from out of town, so he was having a blast with the eye candy ever-so-present.
Finally when our order was called, we turned our backs from the establishment and enjoyed our bacon burgers watching people walk on by. There's nothing like Americana indulging on a tasty cheeseburger with bikinis in the amidst.
The fat: Good food, good people, good times.
The skinny: Parking isn't the best, but park at the Chase bank.Listed in: The Burger Hunter's Diary (San…
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Review from Jarryd A.
San Diego, CA
3/1/2011
So all i've heard lately about burgers is this ongoing battle between West Coast's In-n-out and East Coast's Five guys.
The two things they've got better is fries and patties and yes they're fuckin good. The patties are much jucier than InO's which all-in-all dominated the overall flavor and texture of that god damn mammoth of a burger. I had it "all the way" which included damn near every ingredient offered(which are all free btw). These all included jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, and of course bacon and cheese. To better compare it to InO, i had it sauced with mayo & ketchup. The cajun fries were exactly the way i like my women (muy caliente and hott). Spiced amazingly.
Overall, it was a good burger but not the best out there for $7.17(price w/o fries & drink). You'll get more for your money going to Hodad's. But gotta be one dumb muh fucka to say this place is better than in-n-out. You can pick out every ingredient standing out in an INO burger but you can't say the same about 5 guys, with or without a crazyass list off available toppings. Not to mention the spread and animal style fries/burger. In-n-out buns are hot, toasty, and bomb (thats what she said). Price, overhype, and its lack of competitiveness to INO is why they're getting a 3 from me. Had In-n-out not been around, let alone, Hodad's........shit, they'd probably deserve a 4 maybe 5.
Basically, i'll be returning for a burger and cajun fries when i'm in the area but won't go outta my way like i would for Hodad's. And i for damn sho won't be going to it 2-3 times/month as most would do In-n-out. Don't know if it tastes better on the East Coast but so far Tupac is owning Biggie in this burger clash. -
Review from Stephanie L.
San Diego, CA
1/14/2011
My favorite part about Five Guys is that I can throw peanut shells on the floor. Make fun of me all you want but, I feel slighty guilty when I do (for making a mess) and then I get excited cause I feel like a rebel.
I got their "Little Cheeseburger," which was not little. It had one patty versus the regular cheesebuger that has two patties. AND, (my other favorite part) you can get all the toppings you want for no extra charge. The grilled onions and mushrooms in the burger were really good and the patty wasn't overcooked. My friend and I had a debate about the buns because Five Guys doesn't toast their bun, and I liked it more cause of that. The consistency of the bun always seems denser to be when you don't toast it and stuck to your teeth a little more.
Fries were alright. They're not thin but not thick. The seasoning didn't really stand out and they were a bit overdone. But, then again, what's a burger without fries? -
Review from Justin K.
San Diego, CA
12/27/2011
Best thing about this place is the choice of FREE toppings. Cheap burgers that are super tasty!
