Virginia-born burger chain with customizable toppings and hand-cut fries. Fresh ingredients and generous portions.
Five Guys was founded in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia by Jerry Murrell and his sons, who opened a small burger counter with a simple business model: use fresh, never-frozen beef; hand-cut potatoes for fries; and allow customers to customize their burger with as many toppings as they want at no extra charge. The model's success — first in the Washington DC metropolitan area, then nationally and internationally — made Five Guys one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains of the 2000s and 2010s. The hamburger at Five Guys is a 3.3-ounce patty cooked on a flat-top grill, sold as a single (one patty) or a regular Five Guys (two patties). The beef is ground from a 100 percent ground beef blend with no preservatives, fillers, or flavoring agents added. Fifteen free toppings are offered — including grilled mushrooms, jalapenos, A-1 sauce, hot sauce, and the standard lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles — and customers configure their preferred combination. The fries are hand-cut from whole Russet potatoes, fried in 100 percent peanut oil, and served in generous quantities that routinely overflow the cup. Five Guys restaurants are designed without freezers (because nothing is frozen) and without microwaves (because nothing is reheated). The peanuts available in bins at the entrance and throughout the dining area have become part of the chain's identity. The price point — higher than most fast food but below fast casual fine dining — reflects the quality of the ingredients and the made-to-order preparation.
Signature dishes
- Bacon Cheeseburger — $11
- Cajun Fries — $6
Good to know
- Hours
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Reservations
- Walk-in only
Location
Multiple locations nationwide
38.9072, -77.0369 View on map
Highlights
- Fresh, never-frozen beef patties on a flat-top grill; no preservatives, fillers, or additives
- Fifteen free toppings available on any burger — grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, A-1 sauce among them
- Hand-cut Russet potato fries in peanut oil, served in portions that generously overflow the container
- No freezers and no microwaves in any Five Guys restaurant — the architecture of freshness as policy
- Free peanuts throughout the dining area; a brand identity element since the first Arlington, Virginia location in 1986
Tips for visiting
- The Little Hamburger (single patty) is effectively the same size as a standard burger at most chains; the regular Five Guys is two patties and significantly larger
- Cajun fries add a spice blend to the standard fries and are worth the upgrade for those who enjoy heat
- Do not order both a regular Five Guys and a large fries for one person — the portions are enormous and the combination is substantial
- The topping system rewards pre-planning; deciding toppings before reaching the register speeds up the ordering process significantly
- Peanut allergy is a genuine concern — the entire restaurant is infused with peanut oil and shell fragments from the complimentary peanuts
Accessibility
Five Guys locations are designed with ADA-accessible entrances, accessible ordering counters, and compliant restrooms. Drive-through service is not available at most Five Guys locations; all ordering is at the counter. Dining rooms have accessible seating. Specific accessibility details are available on the Five Guys website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Five Guys hamburger and a regular hamburger?
Five Guys uses fresh, never-frozen, additive-free ground beef. The regular Five Guys burger has two patties; the Little Hamburger has one. Both are cooked on a flat-top grill and customized with up to fifteen free toppings at no charge.
Why are Five Guys more expensive than McDonald's or Burger King?
Five Guys uses fresh (not frozen) beef, hand-cut potatoes, and peanut oil, all of which cost more than the frozen, commodity inputs at traditional fast-food chains. The made-to-order model also reduces throughput efficiency compared to batch cooking.
Is it safe to eat at Five Guys with a peanut allergy?
No. Five Guys fries in 100 percent peanut oil and offers complimentary peanuts in shells throughout the restaurant. The environment is not safe for guests with peanut allergies.
How many toppings can be added to a Five Guys burger?
Five Guys offers fifteen toppings at no extra charge: mustard, ketchup, relish, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, green peppers, A-1 sauce, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. Any combination can be selected.
Does Five Guys have milkshakes or desserts?
Yes. Five Guys offers customizable milkshakes at locations that have the shake program. Mix-ins include Oreos, peanut butter, banana, strawberry, and other options. Not all locations carry shakes; availability should be confirmed before visiting.