A Beaverton location of D.C. metro-based Five Guys Burger and Fries opened last fall to much fanfare.
The simple, no-nonsense interior imparts a bit of the faux-retro vibe that Southern California’s venerable In-N-Out Burger captures so well. The place was absolutely packed on a recent weekend around 2pm.
Similarly, the menu is pretty simple. You won’t find any sandwiches featuring onions with anger management issues.
Stacks of sacks of potatoes suggest their fries are freshly cut. Or these could I have simply been bags of river rocks from Home Depot’s garden section. They look about the same size – I had to pour a walkway one time. That day sucked. The pride of home ownership is way overrated.
Want something fun AND value-added? Boxes of free peanuts are situated at either ends of the dining (including like right in front of the bathrooms), and you’re free to help yourself and make a mess.
This large order of fries came in its own bag. There were nearly as many fries in the bag than in this large styrofoam cup–enough to feed three of us.
One great thing about Five Guys is that you get to accessorize your burger with whatever toppings they offer. Here’s a “Little Cheeseburger” (the normal burgers double up the patty) replete with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, and jalapenos.
Verdict? It’s a solid fast-food burger. In terms of satisfaction, I wouldn’t put it on the same level of In-N-Out. I was pretty stoked that the jalapenos were freshly sliced, as opposed to pickled. I really think it took the burger to the next level.
I will say, however, that the fries I had that crisp winter day in aught nine were better than any potato ever churned out by In-N-Out, and were flat out the best fast food fries I’ve had to date. I enjoy skin-on, freshly cut fries, and these were crisp and delicious.
Consider me a fan.
agree on all fronts with you. only thing I dont really care for is that damn bun! yours looked even worse then the ones I have had there. Everytime I get one I cant shake the feeling that they are using My-T-Fine 8for$.89 buns from the Freddy’s down the street. simply dreadful.
other issue being that if you want to spend $8+ on a burger fries and a coke, you can get that at a real restaurant!
But sometimes, and only sometimes, a person just has to have a quickie burger, and it’s good to know where one is. Thanks for the info!
ps If you want to be part of Blog for Food (a benefit for the Oregon Food Bank) in Feb., let me know!
Hi KAB – count me in.
More info here: http://www.pdxfoodpress.com/?p=4346
conoat – you’re right about the bun. It would help a whole hell of a lot if they didn’t compress the sandwich and then envelope it completely and wrap it tightly. One good thing about In-n-out is that the burger is only loosely half-wrapped.