I'm deferring this review to my husband who has yoda-like experiences in the culinary art of hamburger sampling. Here is his review...

I'm thrilled that Five Guys is rapidly expanding throughout the US (200 new US locations in 2010 alone). Recently, Five Guys set up shop in Rochester and I was happy to stop in to see if the quality was as good as I remembered from other locations. They didn't disappoint.

To the informed, I'm preaching to the choir. To the uninformed, Five Guys might have, quite simply, the best "non-slider" hamburger you can get for the price. They're delicious!

The beauty of Five Guys Burgers and Fries is in its simplicity. Five Guys is a bare-bones franchise whose spartan decor resembles a Jimmy Johns. They basically serve only 2 things and they serve them brilliantly. Hamburgers and french fries. Their fries are served 2 ways (regular or cajun-style) and they offer their hamburgers 4 ways (hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon-burger or bacon-cheeseburger). Hamburgers are served with 2 patties and your choice of the following (free) fresh toppings: mayo, relish, onions, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, mustard, jalapeno peppers, green peppers, A-1 sauce, BBQ sauce and hot sauce. They offer "little" versions of their burgers (1 patty instead of 2) for kids or if you're not particularly hungry. The only other options on the menu are hot dogs, grilled cheese or a veggie burger. Don't be alarmed by the lack of menu choices. Five Guys doesn't care much about any other food that doesn't involve ground beef or a potato and you shouldn't either.

Despite putting an order in for a made-to-order burger, you rarely have to wait more than 5 minutes for your food at Five Guys. Five Guys Burgers and Fries runs like an assembly line even when crowds are heavy. You can spend that minimal time eating from bins of shelled peanuts or getting a self-serve drink. When there is a slight lull in the kitchen you can bet someone will be rushing around the dining area making sure the place is spotless.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries burgers are fabulous and a bargain at $4.59. A "regular" order of fries ($2.69) could easily accommodate 2 diners and a large order ($3.99) could feed up to 4. I've eaten at the famous Jaws Burgers in Southfield and I was raised on Fuddruckers. I can tell you that Five Guys Burgers and Fries is at least equal in taste and superior in overall value in both the fries and burger department.

I have very little to complain about. I could mention that it's not a great place to go if you have food allergies (they use peanut oil in everything and there are no gluten-free bun options). I could mention that it would be nice to have a condiment-bar (ala Fuddruckers) instead of having the cooks put everything on your burger for you. In the end, I can't argue with their success and won't try. It's Five Guys' world. I'm just happily living in it.

The concept behind Five Guys Burgers and Fries isn't so radical if you know American culinary history. They take a few menu items, do them extremely well, serve them quickly with a smile and run an impeccably clean operation. That's exactly how McDonalds got started. Five Guys Burgers and Fries takes it a step further by allowing you to get your burger made to order.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries
2544 S. Adams Rd
Rochester, MI 48309
248-299-3483
 
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