The DC Traveler

When I get a hankering for a good burger, there’s only one place I go. Five Guys Burgers & Fries. With dozens of locations around the Washington, DC metro area, you’re never far from a Five Guys.

Their simple burgers are served on a classic hamburger bun, baked in Five Guy’s own bakery. Besides the usual toppings, they offer fried onions, sauteed mushrooms, freshly sliced Jalapeno peppers, and green peppers, which can make your burger almost too think to fit in your mouth.

The beef is never frozen, and patties are made fresh daily. The burgers are cooked on a sizzling grill to well-done, which is the only option. But if you ask and it’s not too busy, I assume they’ll pull your burger off a bit early.

A “standard” burger (see photo above) uses two patties of beef. I usually opt for the single “Little Burger”, which I’ve found to be more than enough.

The french fries are single fried in peanut oil, making them a bit limp and not overly crunchy. The peeled potatoes are sliced rustically, with small amounts of potato skin remaining. A “regular-sized” portions is large enough for two and the “large” can feed a few hungry linebackers. If you’re like me when I carry out, the temptation to sample a few fries on the way home usually translates into eating my burger sans fries. But there’s no need to worry, as Five Guy’s regular portion of fries provides you with enough for some serious sampling on the way home.

French fries are offered with optional Cajun seasoning. I prefer the classic style.

Check the board to find to where the potatoes originated from. On my most recent visit, Idaho Falls, Idaho was the spud’s source.

The burgers are wisely wrapped in aluminum foil, keeping them much warmer during transport than traditional paper wrappers.

Fountain drinks (a variety of ten or more Coca-Cola products) come in just one size, 24 oz. , and offer free refills.

If you’re not in the mood for a burger, try a Kosher hot dog, offered with bacon or cheese, or a veggie or grilled cheese sandwich.

While you wait for your order, sample a handful of free peanuts in the shell. And yes, it’s okay to toss the shells on the floor.

Dine in, take out, or in some locations during warmer months, head outside to the picnic tables.

Five Guys offers a simple but delicious version of the American classic hamburger. They consistently receive high scores for food quality and value in magazine and newspaper reader’s polls. Their prices are similar to the chain fast-food burger joints, but their quality puts the big boys to shame. But all it takes is one visit, and you’ll probably look forward to your next burger craving and a satisfying Five Guys burger and fries.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Locations across the area, including 8 in DC, including Reagan National Airport, over 30 in Maryland and over 50 across Virginia.

NOTE: Caution to people with peanut allergies — Five Guys serves peanuts and used peanut oil.

Images - burger - Flickr - burger - Lodigs, interior - Slice, all others personal collection - © 2008 - Jon Rochetti __________________________________________________

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