Five Guys no threat to In-N-Out

burgers, fast food, FIve Guys, in-n-out, issue 15, review, Shelby tatomir, Entertainment - By Shelby Tatomir on Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 02:58

Since their arrival to California in 2008, I have heard mixed reviews about the burger joint named Five Guys, but have kept my distance out of loyalty to their esteemed rival, In-N-Out Burger, and the fact that a cheeseburger is $5.79 at Five Guys.

Unfortunately, curiosity got the best of my budget and this week I ventured over to Telegraph Road and Carmenita Road for my first ever Five Guys experience.

Upon walking in the door, your eyes are drawn to the posters advertising the accolades Five Guys has received lining the walls. Though it seems odd that they need to advertise to restaurant-goers who are already inside their doors, reading the menu is a simple remedy to put this out of your mind.

They have an array of options to top your burger, cheeseburger or bacon cheeseburger, ranging from grilled mushrooms to jalapenos, and for the rare vegetarian that comes through their doors they offer a veggie sandwich, cheese and veggie sandwich and grilled cheese.

While waiting for their orders, costumers are given the option to snack on peanuts and toss the shells on the floor, accompanied by a soundtrack of southern country/rock.

Though my burger’s bun was slightly soggy upon its arrival, I managed to eat all 550 calories in a matter of minutes. I was more impressed with their thick cut fries.

These fresh-cut potatoes, fried in peanut oil were unfortunately named the Worst Regular Order of Fries by Time magazine. Consumer Reports counters this observation though, describing them as “big baked-potato flavor complemented by oil and salt. Crispness and doneness were variable.” In addition to this compliment, they also deemed them the second best French fries in the U.S.

I concur that although tasty, Five Guys Burger and Fries should not be ingested frequently due to concern for the preservation of your health. Personally, I am disappointed that I strayed from the ever-satisfying In-N-Out for a burger priced twice what it is worth.