Five Guys is the shiz-nittlebam snip-snap-sack
November 28, 2007
I went to Five Guys on 55th street between 5th and 6th Ave. tonight (11/28), my second time eating there, and it was even better this time. I got a Regular (2 patties) Bacon Cheeseburger with fried onions (which are much closer to sauteed) and fresh-cut green jalapenos. Take a look (more dank-ness after the jump):
Keep in mind, all toppings except bacon and cheese are FREE & UNLIMITED.
The above shot is after I cut it in half, here’s a shot as served. Check out those fresh jalapenos spicing up the crispy bacon and deliciously delicate fried onions:
Check out this diesel cross-section. These burgers are just small enough to not cut, but I wanted to let you see how stacked these burgers really are. Note the cheese melted throughout the crumbly burgers in addition to the softness of the bun (shrouding the slightly toasted underbelly):
Now take a look at the backside of the burger. I used to think the only bacon cheeseburger that could look this dank was at Brooklyn Diner or Donovan’s, not only is Five Guys’ equally as dank, it might be better. Something about a burger on a soft bun, with all the toppings you can handle, unwrapped from aluminum foil brings an indescribable joy to my life:
Here’s a shot of the regular, yes regular, order of fries. I got Cajun style, which is pretty nice. Not too spicy, just a little saltier with a subtle kick. They have malt vinegar on all the tables, which is awesome with non-Cajun fries, but not recomended with cajun-style. Either way, they hook up the fries big time at Five Guys, giving you a Styrofoam cup full and what seems like another full order on top. They’re crispy but not overdone and very potatoey and everytime I’ve been in there, they’ve been fresh.
And if the entire meal wasn’t already good enough, check out the fresh and juicy toppings that fell out of the burger. Left over fries? Time for some cheese fries with bacon, fried onions and jalapeno:
Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries
Manhattan Location (1 of 7 in NY click here to see the others)
43 W 55TH Street, New York, NY 10019
tel. 212-459-9600
fax 212-459-9601
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November 30th, 2007 at 5:52 am
you love this place — the bun on that burger looks soggy and and those onions look naaasty! the closeup of the onions and cheese on the bottom is actually nauseating!
bacon and fries look good though…
November 30th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Wow:
I do love this place – and with good reason. 1) the food hasn’t disappointed me or anyone I’ve sent there 2) it’s dankity-dank 3) you can get as many free toppings as you want and 4) how can you even dispute my postings when you haven’t eaten the burger????
December 1st, 2007 at 10:42 pm
i’ll tell you how i can dispute it; like many erotic things, i like my burgers PINK, and my onions WELL DONE….this burger looks overcooked, and those onions look raw as hell, so i don’t need to eat this burger (at least the way you ordered it — maybe you ordered the burger well done with uncooked onions) to tell you that i wouldnt like it
the free toppings is sweet though
December 1st, 2007 at 6:53 pm
If you read my first review, you’d know the burgers are only cooked well done at Five Guys. Don’t give me any of this “ehhh well done” stuff either. Anyone who’s ever eaten a McDonald’s burger can’t say they won’t eat Five Guys. McDonald’s is crap and it’s well done too. And in case you were wondering, you don’t have to get the onions either. SO maybe you should open your mind and see what everyone is clamoring about.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:40 am
after my last disappointing visit to donovans and lugers I might have to try this place to see if it can top my favorite burgers list…..and i think that burger looks awesome although i gotta agree with wow not feelin the raw looking onions
December 6th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
The raw looking onions are not as bad as they seem and they definitely add a delicious flavor to the burger. I can understand why you’d be turned off but they’re not as raw as they seem. Either way, you can only know by trying.
March 9th, 2008 at 12:00 am
I went to 5 guys and I must say the cheeseburger I got was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. The fries were equally as good. Just quality food. If you’re gonna eat unhealthy choose 5 guys. Thank you NYC food Guy.
March 9th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Delicious Burger-
You’re more than welcome. I would never steer you wrong. Five Guys is fast food style but a huge step above. I’ve never met anyone who ate there and was disappointed. I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed the burger.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Five Guys was great. Had almost the exact same thing as you. I remember calling my brother and saying “Guess what I just had….Five Guys.”
As for the whole sad cooking meat arguments I’ve always seen, only an ignorant person would dismiss a burger based on how much it’s cooked. But then again those are the people that actually think having it pink makes it taste better – to which I laugh. It’s not the cooking that makes a great burger, it’s the quality of the meat and who’s cooking it. Five Guys proves that.
March 10th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Betazen-
It warms my heart and puts a smile on my face to see two people (you and delicious burger) happy with my recommendation. I agree completely, you have to keep an open mind. Fast food style burgers are not a bad thing. In N Out, All American Burger, both places are cooked through and both are delicious. Now I have to try to chili bacon dog next time.
Thanks for the comment. Go try some of my other burgers and let us know what you think. Brooklyn Diner’s a big step up price wise but it’s worth it.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Wow. That burger looks great. Next trip to NYC, I’m heading to Five Guys. Thanks for a great review.
April 6th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Hunter-
Five Guys is originally from DC so if you get there before NY, check it out. Regardless, despite Five Guys deliciousness, my favorite burger in New York is Brooklyn Diner’s Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe. It’s twice as pricey but well worth it. Check it out here.
Where are you from Hunter?
April 8th, 2008 at 3:03 am
Gotta respond to WOW’s comments. I don’t usually like my burgers well done as that’s how they were at every family cookout and they were really dry. However, Five Guys cooks tem on a flat top, not a grill, so that fat isn’t dripping down, but stays on the flat top and damned if it isn’t a juicy burger!! It doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing to some, but for me, as long as it tastes good, I don’t care if it’s smushed down or not. It’s one of the top 5 best burgers I have ever had and if I could master a way to eat them without any health consequences, I’d be paying rent there!
BTW-I usuallt get the regular with pickles, ketchup and mushrooms.
April 8th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Bill-
Five Guys is delicious. That’s all that anyone needs to know. Nice description of why it’s so juicy. Fat is good.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Speaking of a flat grill burger that is way more than decent: the double pattie cheeseburger at …. Johnny Rocket’s at the Food Court at the Roosevelt Field Mall on LI!!!! I know, I can hear the howls of protest, but as Samuel L. Jackson said in “Pulp Fiction”, “That is one tasty burger.” Nice crunch outside, juicy on the inside, TWO patties, cheese, mayo-based special sauce, with lettuce, tomato, onion, if you like. I just have ketchup and onion, because the other stuff makes the burger too wet and unwieldy. As I recall, the burger was $6.95- Food Guy would probably pay another $2 for bacon, but to me, that just masks the essential cheeseburger experience. With a good-sized diet coke and a $2 tip, the meal came to $11 even, quite filling (without the fries- they looked good, too.)
Looks like the rest of the Food Court could be passed on. Usual stuff: Asia Chao, Sbarro’s, a Wendy’s, a sushi concession (I could never bring myself to eat sushi at a Food Court), at least two taco stands. Ben’s Deli would be an alternative if you had to have a kosher hot dog.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Doc-
You are spot on about Johnny Rockets. It’s all about the Smoke House Burger for me thus far but I may have to rock this double cheeseburger because frankly it sounds amazing.
Johnny Rockets’ Smoke House:
Cheddar cheese, thick bacon, crispy onion rings & Johnny Rocket’s “Smoke House” barbecue-ranch sauce.
It’s grease heaven and it’s awesome. You’re also dead on about the food court at Roosevelt Field, it sucks and it’s really gone down hill over the years especially since Roy Rogers was ousted in favor of Wendy’s. I guess it loses its luster as you get older too, something about having that many options as a 13 year old felt pretty adult. Ben’s Deli there is really not as good as in store, I’d pass.
The perfect meal at Roosevelt Field Food Court:
Smoke House Burger from Johnny Rockets
Fries from Great American Steak and Potato or maybe Ranch 1
Chicken Nuggets from Wendy’s
1 Beef Supreme Taco from Taco Bell
Cinnamon and Sugar Pretzel Sticks from Pretzel Time (off the food court)
A Bittersweet Chocolate Chip Cookie from Mrs. Fields
What’s your perfect meal at the Roosevelt Field Food Court Doc?
May 6th, 2008 at 3:06 am
Your knowledge of Food Court history and the scope of its offerings far outshines my own, O Food Guy! I guess I can’t eat as much as you- make that WON’T – unless it’s outstanding and/or unusual (say, dinner at East). My aging metabolism wouldn’t permit the indulgence without paying by bulking up. So if I’m at Roosevelt Field on a shopping mission (NEVER on a food mission, unless it’s to go to Houston’s), I’d get one thing and would never waste my time and calories on that food tour.
So my “perfect meal” at Roosevelt Field? A nice thought experiment, but I’d get in my car and go somewhere else. If I had to have my last meal there, I guess it’s a Rockets double (told you before, I’ll pass on masking the burger with bacon), maybe a hot dog from Ben’s as a palate-cleanser, a taste of the bourbon chicken or some other faux Cajun food from the faux New Orleans franchise, and I guess that Mrs. Fields cookie sounds like a good finisher. The cheese steak at Great American looked interesting, but it can’t be any good.. Wouldn’t waste time or stomach on crap from Wendy’s and TB, i HATE cinnamon in all of its incarnations.
So last meal at the Food Court? Leave the Food Court, leave the building, walk over to Houston’s for that prime rib!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
honestly this 5-guys-burger looks more and more disgusting every time i see it. i’m not sure ANY amount of ketchup could make this thing enjoyable
May 6th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
King Of Ketchup,
You have no idea what youre talking about you’ve still never even tried Five Guys.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Doc,
Wisdom as always. That’s what I like to hear. I like the addition of “a taste of the bourbon chicken”. That stuffs actually tasty in very limited offerings.
Houston’s is by far the best reason to go to Roosevelt Field.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
NYCFood Guy, I see why you took such offense after reading my review of Five Guys. You like it (a good amount) and I had very little to say in terms of positive comments. To each is own. I wish I had enjoyed it, they just opened one up near my apartment. Oh well, more for you I guess.
-AG
July 28th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
AG,
No worries either way, too each their own my friend. I agree. I won’t be going out to BK for it but its convenient for when I’m at work and looking for a fast food burger.
November 24th, 2008 at 12:08 am
I ate there on thursday, and im already hooked… CB w, Fried Onions, mayo and ketchup = perfect… I love my burgers pink, but these burgers are cooked perfect, flavor is excellent. oh and the fries made me go from 6 to Midnight.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:20 am
RFD,
That makes me happy and also a little scared. Then again, I have a similar reaction when I’m given a heaping scoop of extra fries for free. Where else do you like to eat burgers in NYC?
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I think it’s just our five guys location, but the meat used in the burgers here is awful and I’m constantly biting into unchewable, hard grittle in the burgers and that just really grosses me out infinitely. I love the fries and especially the non-cajun fries with malt-vinegar, but I just can’t take the burgers just because of their meat. Ironically, all the toppings seem to be high quality and tasty. Maybe I’ll have better luck at another location, but right now I stop by and order some fries to go and grab a sub from next door.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Alice,
Are you talking about the Five Guys on 55th? This is very surprising. I haven’t had it often of recent but I’ve never had an experience like that. The fries with malt vinegar are heaven though and I actually like the Cajun ones. I’m disappointed to hear you had a bad experience. Great move with the fries and a sandwich next door. If you’re talking about the 55th street location, have you tried Tuscany for sandwiches? They’re some of the best in the hood.
January 18th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Went to five guys today. This burger definetly gets an A+, it is currently my favorite in NYC (still have alot left to try). But compared to shake shack and rare bar and grill, Five guys comes out on top.
January 19th, 2009 at 7:27 am
ORyan,
Five Guys is awesome and definitely a great start to burgerdom in NYC but you will find many more along the way. Definitely check out my burger listings on the top right of my home page for more ideas.
November 30th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I’m not a big fan of fast food AT ALL. I can’t quite seem to keep the food down. With that said, Five Guys has got the best burgers and fries out there. Dip those fries in the malt vinegar and call it a day. You can get a drink, a burger with toppings and fries for less than $10. You can’t beat that.
December 7th, 2009 at 12:52 am
FlipNY,
That’s what I do! Dip the fries in malt vinegar. Love it. Great call.
December 13th, 2009 at 10:26 am
For the bridge-and-tunnel crowd: New 5 Guys in Little Neck, in the little mall on the corner of Little Neck Parkway and the LIE service road.
Say what you will, but the burgers, while well done are juicy and delicious. Try it Food Guy’s way: ketchup, bacon, cheese, and the grill-top onions. I held back on the jalapenos, but put on the mayo for added creaminess.
Great fries, too, and unofficially unlimited soda. All for around $11. The locals agree: it’s always busy, except for, say 3 PM.
And welcome back, Food Guy!
Dr. D
December 29th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Doc,
Great to hear from you man. Thanks for the update and the love. I feel bad for Slim’s Bagels. Starbucks, Panera and now Five Guys. Not looking great for the little guy.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Tony Dragonas makes a mean burger, 5 Guys is a lame knockoff of In N Out and other CA burger joints.
January 11th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Mike,
I don’t think Five Guys tries to be anything other than what it is. There’s a new place called Black Shack that opened in Manhattan and THAT is definitely a knock off of In-N-Out (http://www.eatingintranslation.com/2010/01/freshnfast-burgers.html).
January 31st, 2010 at 11:59 pm
New 5 Guys under construction in the LaGuardia main terminal, next to American Airlines ticketing and Gate A, where Wendy’s used to be. It’s a step up.
May 5th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
[…] cheeseburger and home style fries (with ketchup no less) right now like woah. (Like that one (found here), without the jalapeno. I like mine with onions, dill pickles, mushrooms and A1 […]
December 19th, 2010 at 8:46 am
This is one of the best burgers, no doubt. So cheap, so good, so huuuge. Someone I know mentioned the size was hard to handle but if you order a small you can have one patty rather than two. I like it with fried onions, bacon, BBQ sauce, and mayo. The significant other turned me on to that combination. Prior to that, it had simply been cheese and maybe pickles, sometimes fried onions. Their fries are also to die for. Some of the best out there. They’d make deadly good bacon cheese fries. Five Guys menu is limited but they do what they do so well, it doesn’t really matter.
August 9th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Just saw your fanastic food pics after doing a search following my first 5 Guys experience. Wanted to see if I could best my combination….I like your bacon addition, I’ll do that next time. And I’ll double the jalapenos. Maybe add pickles. I was happy with fried onions, sauteed mushrooms, mayo & ketchup, but I know I can do better! Agree with you a cheeseburger in foil, with the melted orange cheese loosely glueing fried onions and diced jalapenos to the foil wrapper (maybe you wouldn’t go that far), makes me insanely happy.