Five Guys Burger vs In-N-Out

[crustycurmudgeon]

I went to Five Guys Burgers today for lunch, and thought I'd share my observations. You might be aware that they're all over the news lately because they were voted the best burger by Zagat, ousting In-N-Out from the top spot. First of all, some folks have said that they're affordable. WTF? A cheeseburger and small fries comes to nearly $9 with tax. Granted, their cheeseburger is a bit bigger than a Double Double, perhaps more like a 3 X 2, and the portion of fries was generous (too generous!). But I can get a Double Double, fries and a milkshake for just over $7 at In-N-Out. Leave out the shake, and it's under $5.

The burger, in my opinion, was as good as an In-N-Out burger. Their fries were very good as well. It did take me a while to develop a liking for In-N-Out's fries, so maybe the same would apply with Five Guys. I should have asked if I could get them well done. They did get my order wrong, though. I ordered two burgers, one with lettuce, mayo and ketchup, and one with bacon, ketchup, pickles and onions. The put the bacon and onions on the wrong burger.

It's obvious that they're trying to emulate In-N-Out, right down to the red and white tile motif. It almost felt like I was walking into an In-N-Out.

On another note, I just read that In-N-Out is expanding into Texas, with a store currently planned for Garland, and they'll be building a meat processing plant in Texas, which implies that more stores are coming. You Texas folks will finally get to find out what we in CA have been raving about. Just remember to order the fries well done.

Frank

 

[cmayna]

You know Frank, If you spent as much time working on your Mustang as you do visiting burger joints.......

:lol JK


Geez, maybe Kat will finally get to have a real man's burger. See? then she'll start doing a Frank and spend more time evaluating burger joints instead of nurturing Gertrude.

Once again: :lol

 

[Kats66Pny]

I used to live in Cali.... I've had In-N-Out before. Didn't like it. I'll stick to Whataburger, the #5 with mustard, mayo, grilled onions and jalepeno's. :lol

 

[janschutz]

I used to live in Cali.... I've had In-N-Out before. Didn't like it. I'll stick to Whataburger, the #5 with mustard, mayo, grilled onions and jalepeno's. :lol

If I am not making my own burger, it has to be Whataburger.

For a good non beef burger (elk, buffalo, ...) I like the Twisted Root" with a side of sweet tater fries!

 

[1497]

We have a Five Guys in my town, been there a few times. Very good, but not over the top great. When I lived in AZ, In-N-Out was my default burger. Since moving to DFW, I have found non-franchised burger places that are excellent. A couple of them looks sketchy, but put out great burgers. That said, if In-N-Out makes it to my side of DFW, I'll add them into artery clog rotation.

 

[guruatbol]

Five Guys sucks! We have both. I've had both. The in-N-Out fries are awesome, from whole potato to fries right in front of you, YUM!

Mel

 

[AzPete]

In N Out is good for sure. We have a Five guys here and to me, it is way over priced but I will say we like the fries there. The one here is always packed but then again, it is in the local tourist trap high priced area. There are better burgers in several places that are not classed as "fast food" places and better pricing.

 

[monkeystash]

They both rock! I can only dream of an East Coast In N Out.

 

[SAC69]

I have found non-franchised burger places that are excellent. A couple of them looks sketchy, but put out great burgers.

+1. There are a several around here that are excellent: Gatsby's, Squeeze Inn, Whitey's Jolley Cone

In-N-Out is great for a chain, try the Animal style on the fries for a gut-buster. I've never heard of Five Guys Burgers.

 

[JeffTepper]

Frank:

Based upon your post, we tried 5 Guys over at The Plant yesterday. You are right about the prices, a double cheese burger with small fries and tax comes to $9.....a bit steep for "fast food". On the other hand, the single is $2 less. Comparing the taste to In-N-Out, they are comparable. For my money, the Willowburger at Willow Street is a better value even at $11.50 as I end up taking half of it home and end up with 2 meals. [Half Pound Willowburger Natural ground chuck with bacon, caramelized onions, gorgonzola, lettuce, tomato and roasted garlic aioli. Served on freshly baked flat bread with garlic fries. 11.5]

 

[BobV]

Five Guys just moved in a year or so ago. They rock. I have no problem with the prices - I get the "regular" double, and swmbo gets the single. The fries and huge - we share a small and don't finish it... With drinks we get out around $15. I can spend that at Wendy's.

No In-n-Out Burgers in Kansas, so I can't compare! :nta

 

[tbear1]

Those of us in the midwest don't have a choice as there are not any In and Outs around. I do travel to the left coast and In and Out have it for value and the fries. My overall vote has to go to Five Guys because I can get them here. The Five Guys fries are a bit soggy to me. Someone above suggested ordering/requesting them crispier, I'll have to give that a try.

Glenn

 

[Teebone]

I have tried both..cold and greasy at best..they both suck :barf

 

[abrahamfh]

I will have to say that I havn't tried any of the above listed other than In and Out. I will have to add that while I was up in the PNW I missed it a lot. Burgerville just didnt do it for me and I would fly back to the Bay Area every other weekend to get my Family Friends and In and Out fix.

Burgerville sucked! uke