Saturday, September 02, 2006

Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries


Courtesy of The Washington Post

A few weeks ago, I walked by one of the most garish looking storefronts I've ever seen. Looking like a picnic tablecloth exploded onto a wall, Five Guys did not initially impress me. Granted, I have not been to DC in a while, and was unaware of the fame of this place.

The following Wednesday, I walked by with my friend Mike, who repeatedly sang its praises. I had to try it.

When you walk into Five Guys, you are greeted with peanuts on the tables -- a testament to their allegiance to peanut oil as their oil of choice. Grab some while you wait, as depending on the length of the line, you might be sitting there for a while.

A standard cheeseburger is the equivalent to an In-N-Out 2x2: 2 patties, 2 pieces of cheese. Patties are flipped once and only pressed down once on each side to hold in the juices. Customers are allowed to choose from a list of toppings, including sauteed mushrooms and fried onions, at no extra charge.

I ordered a cheeseburger with mushrooms, onions, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup. Surprisingly, my order was ready in under five minutes, and I headed home. When I opened up the burger in my apartment, the burger drew similarities to In-N-Out. Taste wise, I think this may be a little better (dare I say). Two reasons: First, I really liked that there was a little bit of a char taste on the burger, which I don't remember from In-N-Out. Second, I really like the toppings choice. To me, any burger is made better with mushrooms.

I remind you that this is still a fast food burger. There are better burgers available in Philadelphia for not much more money (and in some cases, less). However, as far as fast food goes, this may be the best I've had.

On a side note, it may seem that I'm positive about a lot of places. Two reasons for that: first, food in Philadelphia is quite good overall, second, I'm writing about a mix of places I've been to and places I've recently visited. When I hate something, I'll be clear.

Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries
1527 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

tel. 215-972-1375



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