five guys burgers
mattThis past Friday evening, we were in the mood for burgers so we decided to try out the new Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries in University Collection Mall on Fowler near USF. I had first heard about Five Guys a few weeks ago in an enthusiastic email from fellow Sticksian, Joel. Since then, I’d read another glowing review about the newly opened Tampa location of this award-winning and Zagat-rated Alexanderia, Va. based old-school burger and fries joint.
When we arrived at Five Guys on Friday, we had the place almost to ourselves. The menu is simple - burgers, fries and hot dogs - no fancy combos or happy meals here. I decided upon a cheeseburger “all the way” (you get to pick from a mess of toppings at no additional charge) and Traci went with a hamburger with fried onions, relish, pickles and mustard. We also ordered some regular fries (cajun-style is also available), which we were told would be enough for two of us - it was and then some. Peanuts are available while you wait for your order to come up.
While my burger was tasty, the real star was the french fries, which Traci and I both agreed are some of the best fries we’ve ever had. I learned later from reading reviews on the wall that nothing is ever frozen at Five Guys and the fries are cut fresh daily. It sure tasted like it. As for my burger, the two beef patties were tasty and I liked the mix of toppings, although I’ll skip the sauteed mushrooms next time. Our only complaint with our burgers were the flimsy buns. While I love a messy burger, the bun quickly fell apart. A toasted, firmer bun would have been much better.
The counter service was friendly and everyone aimed to please. As we finished up our meal, business picked up. Five Guys is walk-in only. No drive-through. The Fowler location at least also serves bottled beer. There is also a new Five Guys open at the Brandon Town Center Mall and one about to open on Kennedy and Dale Mabry. Additional locations are planned for Carrollwood, New Tampa, Riverview and Oldsmar. It remains to be seen if Five Guys can maintain its quality and uniqueness as it expands up and down the east coast with plans for 1,000 locations eventually.
My favorite local burger remains the Chattaburger at The Chattaway in St. Pete, but in terms of fast-food burger joints (and I sort of hate to even put Five Guys in this category), it’s hard to beat a burger from Five Guys. It’s definitely worth giving a try. So what’s your favorite local burger joint?
Bottom-line: If you’re looking for a no-frills burger joint that focuses on serving great burgers and fries at fast-food prices, but with home-cooked taste and freshness, Five Guys is worth giving a try.
Inspection Scorecard: Last Inspection - November 2006 - Violations - Critical (3), Non-Critical (2).
Tags: restaurant, review, tampa, usf
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February 7th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
My fav is… Five Guys! Sorry, home town burgers beat all!
February 7th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Have you had a chance to try their new Tampa locations? Just wondering how it compares to the original locations in D.C. Thanks-
February 7th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Sounds yummy! Do you know their hours?
February 7th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
I know they’re open for lunch and dinner, for specific hours you can call their local stores: http://www.fiveguys.com/store_locator.aspx?s=FL&c=
February 7th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
When Five Guys makes it to Kennedy and Dale Mabry I’ll make a comparison to the DC area stores. I always get a single patty burger with fried onions and mustard and the Cajun Fries. The disintegrating bun has never bothered me. Back “home”going to Five Guys was such a treat, before they were in a zillion Virginia locations, that I would have the burger woofed down before the bread could fail.
February 7th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
lol re: wolfing ‘em down. I’ve read somewhere else that the local stores may be using a different type up bun then the stores up north, but I don’t know if that’s true. I plan to try to cajun fries next time-
February 7th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
you forgot the crucial question: how much are these burgers and fries? because there’s a definite divide when it comes to burgers among cheap (mcd’s), midline (chattaway) and sorta expensive.
for my 6 bucks, the green iguana makes just about the best pub burgers ive tasted around here.
February 7th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I think we paid around $6-$7 each for two burgers, regular order of fries (feeds two) and two soft drinks - good prices I think for what you get compared to typical fast food burger joints.
February 8th, 2007 at 9:22 am
We did Five Guys at Westfield Mall in Brandon about a month ago. They’re located next to Chick-fil-A in the food court. Bacon cheese burgers were $4.95 and included as many of the 12 toppings you wanted (they are very generous with topping servings). Food was delicious!!! One small fry IS enough for 2 people!! Our total tab for 2 Bacon Cheese Burgers loaded with toppings, 1 small fry and 2 soft drinks was $18.00. Seemed high for food court food but the quality and quantity made it worth the money. We’ll go back again!!
February 8th, 2007 at 9:27 am
those fries sound awesome.
the best fast food burgers ive ever had were from ‘in & out’, a chain in southern cal where i once lived and that should expand to fla asap
February 8th, 2007 at 10:08 am
I haven’t tried Five Guys here yet, but I guess I’m going to go there today, because I’m salivating. I will report back on the bun situation. I’ve eaten awesome burgers and fries everywhere, but Five Guys is tops, hands down.
February 8th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
You could always go to the In & Out in Gainesville, though I’m told it’s a poor representative of the chain.
February 8th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
I dont think the one in Gainesville is part of the chain at all…
February 9th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Went and tried it last night- make sure to order the regular fries and not the large! My husband insisted we get the large to split and it could have fed at least 8 people. We both loved it- thanks for the review.
February 12th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Five Guys burgers are much more tastier than In & Out’s, although, In & Out’s burgers are more aesthetically pleasing… I’ll take flavor over aesthetics any day.
March 1st, 2007 at 9:06 pm
I used to eat at their original store in arlington. They got the buns from the bakery next door so the buns here in tampa are probably different. Going to give the kennedy store a try tomorrow.
March 1st, 2007 at 9:07 pm
the in & out in gainesville is locally owned, not part of the chain, ate their burgers many times.
April 13th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Yeah, gotta order the cajun fries…they rock with ketchup.
Fried onions are really like slow cooked so they’re rich and sweet. Delicious.
Had Five Guys last night…mmmmm.
- Matt
September 9th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
The In N Out in Gainesville was opened with permission from the founder of In N Out. At the time it was opened, Harry Snyder founder of In-N-Out did not think they would ever make it out as far as Florida. From what I know other than name it is nothing like the Southern California based chain.
September 9th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Oh, and Five Guys definitely rules!
October 14th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I just had a burger at the Five Guys in Tysons Corner, Virginia and it was dry and tasteless. I found out why this was the case when I watched the person making the burgers, and he was smashing the burgers on the grill and taking all of the juices out of the meat. No wonder it was dry and tasteless. Five Guys is no longer the best burger in Washington, DC.
October 14th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
The original Five Guys used to rule, but the franchise operators are not making the same burgers.
October 15th, 2007 at 8:44 am
John,
My name is Ed. Our organization operates the Five Guys Burgers and Fries location in Tysons Corner. I believe you may be the same person who e-mailed us a complaint about your visit.
The “smashing” you saw has always been part of the process at Five Guys. However, it used to be done with a spatula, which meant some burgers were fatter, while others thinner. We now use a tool with stainless steel “feet” that only lets us even out the burger to a specific point, for optimal cooking.
Now, that isn’t to say that we can’t serve a dry burger. Usually, this is caused by our grill cook leaving it on the grill too long.
In any event, that’s not who we are, and I’m sorry you didn’t receive a great burger.
To prove to you we’re committed to top quality, I’d like to send you some gift certificates so we can buy your next meal. E-mail me your address, and I’ll drop them in the mail.
My e-mail address is ed@ravg.com
***I’d like to propose a special treat for all of our loyal fans who read this blog (apparently, we have quite a few!). Anyone who posted in the above blog who e-mails me this week will get a $5 Five Guys gift certificate in the mail.
March 21st, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Went to five guys for the first time yesterday,had a great time ,food was excellent,i went to the trinity fl location
March 29th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
on vacation from Erie Pa. had a five guys for the first time , a food court in the orlando area. Best fast burger we ever had, the fries were great. Everyone in our group said who are these guys and where have they been hiding!
July 14th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
TERRIBLE! Went to the new location in Westchase (Tampa, FL). The worst experience ever. Could not believe they call themselves “fresh” and then put cold, CANNED, metallic tasting mushrooms on the burger.
Flies were everywhere because the potatoes in all of those sacks were rotting. This was evident because half of our french fries were inedible because they were black from rot. The “manager” who cooked and served them had to have noticed, obviously did not care. Flies were everywhere, had to put napkins over our ketchup and straws. The burger was dry, tasteless, and the bottom buns fell apart.
We spent over $18 for 2 burgers, one fry and 2 drinks. What a waste of money. This place just opened, it won’t be long until they close. Really a pity, this area needs good restaurants.
July 16th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
PRN:
My Name is Todd Elstro the Area Manager of Five Guys.I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your recent visit at our Westchase location.My number there is 813-855-2244.Thank you.
October 26th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I would love to purchase some gift cards for
5 guys, Burgers and Fries. Several attempts have failed via phone.Will not send them. Can I purchase these on line. If so, please
enlighten as to how.
Thank you,
wlarge
November 4th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Hi WLarge,
Five Guys gift cards are available online for purchase. Go to http://www.fiveguys.com and click on the Online store button. Thanks!