2 for $20: Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries

Kate Johnson

March 05, 2008 by Kate Johnson | Staff

0 votes

During a recent visit to Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, Jen and I realized that the old way of doing things is sometimes the best.

The meat we ate never tasted like it had ever been under 32 degrees, and the french fries were carefully sliced by hand. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

The mood

Classic and understated could be Five Guys' signature phrase. There is nothing fancy about red and white tiles, fluorescent lighting and a dining room filled with fast food-type tables and chairs.

Still, the sparkle coming off of this joint surpasses the cleanliness of comparable restaurants.

After placing our order at the counter, we watched as the cooks began creating our lunch on the spot. Having pre-made burgers and hot.dogs baking under heat lamps would surely be a tragedy -- this place throws the freshness of the food in your face.

Huge signs proclaim that only never-frozen beef, and fries, hand-cut daily, are served here.

Jen and I arrived a little before the lunch hour, but the neat rows of seating were quickly filled by those needing their fresh burger fix.

The food

Um, did you read the name of the place?

Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries -- that nearly sums up the menu. A few versions of the hot.dog and a grilled cheese sandwich are placed at the bottom of the short list.

As we learned, a hamburger -- or one with bacon and/or cheese -- consists of two, juicy beef patties. A "little burger" is one patty.

Again, classic and fresh toppings are no extra charge and placed with care between your buns.

Jen ordered a hamburger with onions, mushrooms and ketchup ($4.19). I went for a cheeseburger with lettuce, onions, pickles, ketchup and mustard ($4.79).

We added on a regular order of Cajun fries ($2.39), plopped down, and waited for our number to be called.

Grabbing our bag from the counter, we quickly realized why we were the only pair sitting at a small table. The bag was filled with fries.

After digging out our burgers, unwrapping, squirting ketchup and ripping the bag open to ensure we got every elusive fry -- there was no room on the table.

Problem solved: We inhaled the burgers, then made a pound of fries disappear.

Even without fancy sauces and fancy cows, Five Guys succeeds in providing a fast and yum-o meal.

The drinks

A regular and a large soda ($1.69 and $1.89).

The damage: $16.15

Yeah, it's pricier than the dollar-menu meat you're used to. But, really, are they equivalent?

Forum: Restaurants & Dining

Tags: 

2 for 20, 2 for twomp, indy restaurants, indianapolis restaurants, indianapolis food, indianapolis dining, indianapolis dining reviews, american food, burgers, Hamburgers, fries

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15 comments

musicjunky1967
musicjunky1967, March 5, 2008
0 votes

This place is awesome!

DigitalEvolution
DigitalEvolution, March 5, 2008
0 votes

just ate there 2day, it was pretty tasty

musicjunky1967
musicjunky1967, March 5, 2008
0 votes

They get crazy with the fries don't they? I could easily make a meal just out of eating the fries by themselves.

DigitalEvolution
DigitalEvolution, March 5, 2008
0 votes

we had fries in the container they give you, then like a half a bag full that fell out of it

musicjunky1967
musicjunky1967, March 5, 2008
0 votes

I bet all 5 guys in that place spend A LOT of time peeling frickin' potatoes. lol

DigitalEvolution
DigitalEvolution, March 5, 2008
0 votes

there was like a hundred bags sittin out in the dining area

musicjunky1967
musicjunky1967, March 5, 2008
0 votes

You ought to try The 96th Street Steakburger. That place has some good burgers too.

DigitalEvolution
DigitalEvolution, March 5, 2008
0 votes

word

musicjunky1967
musicjunky1967, March 5, 2008
0 votes

I'm all about the burgers tonight.

rictor
rictor, March 5, 2008
0 votes

They need to open one of these buy my house. I've been wanting to try this place out since they opened by I'm never in the area.

musicjunky1967
musicjunky1967, March 5, 2008
0 votes

I think they have one by Metropolis in Plainfield. Doesn't make sense that it isn't 96th street though, does it?

nphurst
nphurst, March 6, 2008
0 votes

I'd like to clown on one of those burgers.

randydaytona
randydaytona, March 7, 2008
0 votes

Anyone know if the one in Castleton/Clearwater opened yet?

RavenFan
RavenFan, March 12, 2008
0 votes

Love this place, glad to see they are in Indy now. Had them back in Maryland where I moved from. Great food.

missi
missi, August 25
0 votes

Attention vegetarians: Five Guys has the very best vegetarian sandwich I've ever had at a burger place. Try it with cheese.

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