DiningBuzz! - The Last Word: Shake Shack vs 5 Guys vs In-And-Out

Okay, finally, a pseudo-scientific test of the burgers that have been discussed ad nauseam in this forum.

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/05/in-n-out-vs-five-guys-vs-shake-shack-the-first-bi-coastal-side-by-side-taste-test.html

Anyone who moves around in burgercentric circles knows of the battle that's been brewing for the last few years between the three major heavyweights of the high-quality fast-food burger* world. Of the three, In-N-Out Burger, founded in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948 has the longest history and certainly the most cult-like and devout following. On the other hand, Virginia's Five Guys—which has been around since 1986—has seen crazy expansion in the last few years, now boasting over 750 locations on both coast and a rabid following that is fast catching up on In-N-Out's heels. The underdog in the fight is New York's Shake Shack. Only seven years old, it's still a baby in the field, but if we're to believe the news, they're poised to expand, and in a big way (they just opened their latest location in Washington, D.C. yesterday).

I would add one other SteaknShake they have great milkshakes and I do enjoy their hamburgers. I would place SteaknShake #1 with In & Out #2, 5 Guys #3, will have to check out the Shake Shack.

I've had all 3 within the past year, and honestly I don't get the obsession with Shake Shack. I'm going to chalk that up to east coast bias, just as with sports and seemingly everything else in life. :p

I'm a west-coaster for life so I'm completely and utterly biased, but give me a double double, animal friends, and a Neapolitan shake over anything from Shake Shack or Five Guys.

How can Shake Shack be compared with 5 Guys or In-And-Out?

The later are fast food. SS is quasi fast food.

I've eaten at all 3 of the above (multiple times). They're listed in order of preference. ;)

dh

ive also eaten all 3.

INO is so far ahead, i really dont care how SS and 5G sort themselves out

ive also eaten all 3.

INO is so far ahead, i really dont care how SS and 5G sort themselves out

+1 :D

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This is interesting, and insoluble. I would guess 10,000 times as many people have been to In and Out as Shake Shack (including me). No matter how you do a distribution of preferences you probably can't tell anything because the numbers of samples are so biased. I haven't been to shake shack but have never not enjoyed a burger at In and Out or Five Guys. Throw Burger Joint in the mix though and it's game over. ;)

Wish we have In&Out here in Toronto. Really miss them. :(

Five Guys last Saturday was a long wait..

Once we got the food.. two patties, and the bun became soggy rather quick.. lots in it, which is a plus.. Wish the bun was thicker..

My son got a tummy ache.. and my wife doesn't want me to ever get take out there for her again.

love in n' out burgers but i swear i never got used to the frys. they're cooked in vegetable oil so it's better for you but i still think they're kind of soggy.

Have had all 3 and like them all....sometimes just in a mood for one over the other. That being said, if I had to pick one, it would probably be shake shack...simply superior beef and bun, which is the essence of a burger after all :cool:

Also agree that Steak'n'Shake (and Culver's for that matter) should be mentioned in this category.

In the United States In 'n' Out is the best hands down among those listed above (including Culvers....butter? Really?). The whole Shake Shack and 5 guys thing, not even close.

Anyway, I challenge all of you to view burgers in quite the same way ever again after doing a round of three places I have come to love here in Tokyo. Not pricey, just incredibly good. Large portions, great beef, and built with a true sense of pride.

So if any of you hamburger aficionados finds yourself in Tokyo, look me up by all means, and we shall have a great burger together.

I've had all 3 within the past year, and honestly I don't get the obsession with Shake Shack. I'm going to chalk that up to east coast bias, just as with sports and seemingly everything else in life. :p

I'm a west-coaster for life so I'm completely and utterly biased, but give me a double double, animal friends, and a Neapolitan shake over anything from Shake Shack or Five Guys.

I'm a NYC guy and couldn't agree with you more. Why people wait in such huge lines for Shake Shack is beyond me.

I like a no frills burger and SS beef was pretty average, to me.

Ok.. I avoided 5 guys today..

and went to Fatburger.. ok.. my wife still doesn't like the take out I got for her..

So I think 5 guys is still good.. but please.. get a larger bun!

ive also eaten all 3.

INO is so far ahead, i really dont care how SS and 5G sort themselves out

+1

Never tried 5 guys, but INO beats SS hands down.

First, the premise of the piece--that there is a "battle that's been brewing for the last few years between the three major heavyweights of the high-quality fast-food burger* world--is absurd. Five Guys has about 750 locations, In-N-Out has about 260, and Shake Shack thinks that they might have 20 locations in five years (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/dining/16Shake.html).

Second, as someone else pointed out, an evaluation of day-old burgers doesn't really relate to the 5 or 10 minute-old burgers we actually eat.

Third, it appears they decided to heavily weight "meat quality" after they scored the burgers

I love In-n-Out Burger! There's two locations a short drive from my home. :)

In terms of taste - Shake Shack, I-N-O, Five guys

Volume - 5 guys, I-N-O, Shake shack

Price - I-N-O, 5 guys, Shake shack

Grease - I-N-O, 5 guys and shake shack

Not sure they can be compared, if I am starving, I would go for 5 guys, shake shack if I want a nice burger and I-N-O if I have a craving for a quick burger (that is, if I was out West).

In terms of taste - Shake Shack, I-N-O, Five guys

Volume - 5 guys, I-N-O, Shake shack

Price - I-N-O, 5 guys, Shake shack

Grease - I-N-O, 5 guys and shake shack

Not sure they can be compared, if I am starving, I would go for 5 guys, shake shack if I want a nice burger and I-N-O if I have a craving for a quick burger (that is, if I was out West).

Interesting about the grease..

So with the rating.. I assume I-N-O has the most grease?

Maybe because In N Out is West Coast based, and so I can't have it whenever I want, makes it more desirable. There's a Five Guys up the road from me, and I never ever go.

This thread should be combined with the other thread comparing 5 Guys and In and Out.

I tried a ShackBurger last night in Miami Beach. I thought it was a good burger, the beef patty was quite soft and juicy. The Shack sauce reminded me of In-N-Out thousand island style dressing. My big complaint is the burger is tiny. I has one single shackburger and was still hungry until I also polished off some frozen custard shake thing. And the single was almost $4.75. The double was $8 something. For sheer value I go with In-N-Out. BTW I also walked by a Five Guys and was blown away by the prices, the basic cheeseburger (not the junior one) was more expensive than Shake Shack, even though it seemed a more downscale place.

I've eaten at 5 Guys twice in the last few years here in Florida.

I have not been impressed at all. Especially when you consider the price. :td:

The last time, I treated a friend and the total for two burgers, one large fries, one medium soda and one water (free) was over $18.

The fries were either big and soggy or tiny little hard pieces.

The burgers were falling apart on greasy buns but still fairly decent.

I'd rather grill a dozen better burgers at home.

With all the hype, I was expecting a much better experience both times.

love in n' out burgers but i swear i never got used to the frys. they're cooked in vegetable oil so it's better for you but i still think they're kind of soggy.

Order the fries "well done" or even "well well" and they'll be perfect for you. :p:D



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Just ate at a smashburger for the first time - - not good.
Still love In N Out.

I don't know the other 2 burgers but I know shake shack. Love that burger! Love their french fries too. When those fries come well done, they're great. Shake Shack is a huge reason we go to Citifield.

I've eaten at 5 Guys twice in the last few years here in Florida.

I have not been impressed at all. Especially when you consider the price. :td:

The last time, I treated a friend and the total for two burgers, one large fries, one medium soda and one water (free) was over $18.

The fries were either big and soggy or tiny little hard pieces.

The burgers were falling apart on greasy buns but still fairly decent.

I'd rather grill a dozen better burgers at home.

With all the hype, I was expecting a much better experience both times.

Since my last post.. I've eaten at 5 guys 2 more times..

I get that you get a lot more choices of selections.. and that it takes 8 to 10 minutes to get the order..

I get that they pour alot of fries into the bag, and that they hand form the burger because there's so much in it.

I don't mind the price.. I just don't get the place, because the burger isn't that much better than other places..

Maybe its because you can customize the burger the way you want it..

It's finally time to try it. Five Guys is a mile from my house but never went. Today is the big day for lunch. I'm especially looking forward to some of those fries!

It's finally time to try it. Five Guys is a mile from my house but never went. Today is the big day for lunch. I'm especially looking forward to some of those fries!

So how did it go.. Did you try the cajun fries, cause that's where its at..

the sea salt one is nice too.. but doesnt have that kick..

Do list exactly what you put on the burger.. as there are like 15 choices..

So how did it go.. Did you try the cajun fries, cause that's where its at..

the sea salt one is nice too.. but doesnt have that kick..

Do list exactly what you put on the burger.. as there are like 15 choices..

Excellent food! Wonder why I waited so long to try them!

Spouse and I split the large order of regular fries, and it was truly overwhelmingly a huge portion.
I got the cheeseburger with pickles, tomato, relish and green pepper. Loved that you get so many choices for toppings, unlike In N Out.

Other observations: it was kind of charming to see the whiteboard on the wall where they tell you which farm your fries came from that day. Then, we watched two employees load up five bags of the potatoes/fries from the seating area and haul the bags back into the kitchen.

Also, didn't know that they have unlimited quantities of free peanuts to munch on while waiting on your order. :)

Overall, a great first time, will have to try the cajun fries next time.

Excellent food! Wonder why I waited so long to try them!

Spouse and I split the large order of regular fries, and it was truly overwhelmingly a huge portion.
I got the cheeseburger with pickles, tomato, relish and green pepper. Loved that you get so many choices for toppings, unlike In N Out.

Other observations: it was kind of charming to see the whiteboard on the wall where they tell you which farm your fries came from that day. Then, we watched two employees load up five bags of the potatoes/fries from the seating area and haul the bags back into the kitchen.

Also, didn't know that they have unlimited quantities of free peanuts to munch on while waiting on your order. :)

Overall, a great first time, will have to try the cajun fries next time.

Good call to share the fries.. otherwise you'll feel like a float bloat walking out..:D

Good to know that you guys get peanuts.. I was surprised that 5 guys was serving peanuts.. because about 12 years ago, Cactus Club got sued around YVR because someone slipped on the shells..

But the peanut shells were left on the ground purposely..

The cajun fries is where its at.. but not worth buying another bag..

Doesn't taste as good if you bring it home and send it in your lunch kit the next day:p:cool:

Do all Five Guys locations serve peanuts?
It was a bonus for us, as the queue was long and we were really hungry!

Do all Five Guys locations serve peanuts?
It was a bonus for us, as the queue was long and we were really hungry!

All the ones I've been to do, also I had shack shake for the first time last weekend and I left unimpressed really, it's no where near as good as in-n-out...I was told by my NYC friends that this was the case but had to try it anyway to see for myself.

Do all Five Guys locations serve peanuts?
It was a bonus for us, as the queue was long and we were really hungry!

All the ones I've been to do, also I had shack shake for the first time last weekend and I left unimpressed really, it's no where near as good as in-n-out...I was told by my NYC friends that this was the case but had to try it anyway to see for myself.

I think so..

Peanuts is a good angle.. there is a sign discouraging customers to take out peanuts.. saying that neighborhood children may be allergic..:eek:

Nice excuse..:)

Okay, finally, a pseudo-scientific test of the burgers that have been discussed ad nauseam in this forum.

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/05/in-n-out-vs-five-guys-vs-shake-shack-the-first-bi-coastal-side-by-side-taste-test.htmlLate to the thread, but:

SHAKE SHACK IS THE BEST BY A MILE. Especially the original location in Madison Square Park.

But most importantly, kudos to the OP for not misspelling ad nauseam (even the high-flying lawyers here get it wrong most of the time).

Five Guys..

Has free pop refills like McDs, Burger King, etc..

I imagine the other chains have free soft drink refills too..

As an Idaho native I always like to see the little potato farms around my home town listed on the white board. After that, however, it is all downhill for me. The burger is not particularly good. It takes a long time to place the order, but my greatest complaint is the french fries. I think it is criminal that they start with those beautiful russet potatoes and then fry them wrong. They are limp and tasteless. They need to be cooked twice. The second fry creates a crisp product. I hate the fries and I do not know many people from Idaho who like them. I'd much rather eat a frozen french fry from McDonalds.

We are In-and-Out fans. There are now a couple of In-and-Out places in Utah, and we makes plans to be hungry when we are near them.

As an Idaho native I always like to see the little potato farms around my home town listed on the white board. After that, however, it is all downhill for me. The burger is not particularly good. It takes a long time to place the order, but my greatest complaint is the french fries. I think it is criminal that they start with those beautiful russet potatoes and then fry them wrong. They are limp and tasteless. They need to be cooked twice. The second fry creates a crisp product. I hate the fries and I do not know many people from Idaho who like them. I'd much rather eat a frozen french fry from McDonalds.

We are In-and-Out fans. There are now a couple of In-and-Out places in Utah, and we makes plans to be hungry when we are near them.

I LOVED the french fries at Five Guys and actually our order was really crispy, so who knows? I never order anything at In N Out except the burger, so I wouldn't even know what the fries are like. I, too, have always been a huge In N Out fan, but none in my area, so off to Five Guys it is.

I've yet to try 5 guys but I thought the consensus was that the fries were very crispy, and bun soggy.

As an Idaho native I always like to see the little potato farms around my home town listed on the white board. After that, however, it is all downhill for me. The burger is not particularly good. It takes a long time to place the order, but my greatest complaint is the french fries. I think it is criminal that they start with those beautiful russet potatoes and then fry them wrong. They are limp and tasteless. They need to be cooked twice. The second fry creates a crisp product. I hate the fries and I do not know many people from Idaho who like them. I'd much rather eat a frozen french fry from McDonalds.

We are In-and-Out fans. There are now a couple of In-and-Out places in Utah, and we makes plans to be hungry when we are near them.

I LOVED the french fries at Five Guys and actually our order was really crispy, so who knows? I never order anything at In N Out except the burger, so I wouldn't even know what the fries are like. I, too, have always been a huge In N Out fan, but none in my area, so off to Five Guys it is.

I've yet to try 5 guys but I thought the consensus was that the fries were very crispy, and bun soggy.

Fries were medium crisp when fresh in the bag and becomes a bit soggy.. leave it out for an hour, then yeah, they are really soggy, but still tasty..

If the bun is a problem.. you can order the small burger (just one patty instead of two) and.. no problem with soggy buns.. imo..

I had to run into DC last week to drop of my passport at one of the consulates, and used the opportunity for a first-time visit to Shake Shack, which had been on my list of places to try for some time.

For a first timer I stuck to basics - Shack Burger & fries. Overall was fairly disapointed. The first bite of burger was gristly, the meat fairly flavorless, and Shack sauce didn't contribute much. At over $11 for burger, fries, and water, also not a very good deal.

For this style of food I easily favor InO. 5 Guys lost its appeal long ago when still a local outlet. I'll probably try the Shack again tomorrow when I pick up the passport, just to be sure about writing them off.

Haven't had Shake Shack but would eat 5 Guys every day over In-and-Out. In fact, will break my 2 year streak of no fast food and eat 5 Guys tomorrow in support.

I had forgot about this thread. I did finally try 5 Guys. Once at IAD, and once in the new store in Redding, CA. At IAD, I liked the beef in the burger a lot. Every bit as good if not better than In-N-Out, but found the bun to be way too dense and heavy. Not light and toasty. The lack of a burger sauce was also a huge minus. The fries were the best I've ever had at a major chain though. Nice and crispy outside, fluffy inside. At Redding, the burger was the same, but the fries were limp and greasy. In-N-Out wins hands down on the burger, and 5 Guys blows them away on the fries when they do it right. Any number of independent 'drive-in' burger joints including the one in my small town beat them both.

How about MOS Burger? It's a Japanese chain, so you won't feel disgusting after eating something from there. They've expanded throughout much of East/Southeast Asia, but as for the US, I'm not sure (if anywhere, Hawai'i).

I have to say that I also love their fries... in fact, I often will just get fries and soda for dinner at the IAD Five Guys when travelling....

I had forgot about this thread. I did finally try 5 Guys. Once at IAD, and once in the new store in Redding, CA. At IAD, I liked the beef in the burger a lot. Every bit as good if not better than In-N-Out, but found the bun to be way too dense and heavy. Not light and toasty. The lack of a burger sauce was also a huge minus. The fries were the best I've ever had at a major chain though. Nice and crispy outside, fluffy inside. At Redding, the burger was the same, but the fries were limp and greasy. In-N-Out wins hands down on the burger, and 5 Guys blows them away on the fries when they do it right. Any number of independent 'drive-in' burger joints including the one in my small town beat them both.

Have had In-And-Out and 5 Guys but no Shake Shack yet although I hope to try them the next time I'm in DC. In-And-Out seems more consistently good from location to location, but occasionally I've had burgers at 5 Guys that I thought were better.

In the end, with chains, consistency is really the key. About 10 years ago, I was driving from Florida to Virginia and stopped at a Hardee's in South Carolina for lunch. This location was apparently one of the initial stores rolling out the Thickburger concept, and I swear to you that it was the best burger I've ever had, outside of certain upscale restaurants that include burgers on the menu.

I couldn't wait until the local Hardee's started doing Thickburgers, but it was about a year before they hit my area. And the burger I got was nothing close to the concept I'd had in South Carolina. Some of that might be due to the decision to use cheaper ingredients than I'd had earlier, but the truth is, the elements were there but weren't done as carefully as they had been done the first time I had the product. And I've never had a Thickburger at any other location that was all that good either although I've had some that were better than the second one I had.

Plain and simple, it's execution. 5 Guys has been facing this issue since their original expansion from DC. Shake Shack will get there eventually if expansion continues. In-And-Out seems to do a good job of enforcing uniformity in their product, but consistency as well as our individual tastes probably lead to widely varying opinions about the quality of these burgers.

I have to say that I also love their fries... in fact, I often will just get fries and soda for dinner at the IAD Five Guys when travelling....

The 5 Guys fries really are superior to In-N-Out (the latter's fries have a half-life of about four minutes before they go limp). I get the best of all worlds about a five mile drive from my house (Northridge, CA). In a Costco parking lot, there is an In-N-Out and 5 Guys less than a hundred feet apart. I order fries at 5 Guys and place them in my car, then go next door for a Double-Double and shake to go.

Problem is more than once every month or so, will put you in the grave.

I recently went to the 5 Guys location in Westwood, Ca. I can't even remember the food as the music was so deafeningly loud. :eek: Could not wait to get out of there. There is an In 'n Out about 2 blocks away. Just food; no music. Much better ambiance. That music was an assault on my senses and there was no escape!!

Well, to each his or her own.

I think the Five Guys fries I've had are just nasty. Limp, non-crispy, far too fat, greasy.

If I want a 5 Guys burger I'll take the opposite tack and get it but get an order of well-done fries (the secret to fries perfection and In-N-Out).

The 5 Guys fries really are superior to In-N-Out (the latter's fries have a half-life of about four minutes before they go limp). I get the best of all worlds about a five mile drive from my house (Northridge, CA). In a Costco parking lot, there is an In-N-Out and 5 Guys less than a hundred feet apart. I order fries at 5 Guys and place them in my car, then go next door for a Double-Double and shake to go.

Problem is more than once every month or so, will put you in the grave.

Well, to each his or her own.

I think the Five Guys fries I've had are just nasty. Limp, non-crispy, far too fat, greasy.

If I want a 5 Guys burger I'll take the opposite tack and get it but get an order of well-done fries (the secret to fries perfection and In-N-Out).

As I posted above, 5 Guys can make awesome fries. Why they can't do it consistently I don't know. In-N-Out's fries are certainly better when ordered well done, but they are still too skinny and remind me of shoestring potatoes (the ones we used to get in a can).

As I posted above, 5 Guys can make awesome fries.

I believe you. I've just never encountered it. :)

Working with a 5 Guys vendor, I've been to about 150 of their locations (roughly 15% of their stores) in the last 18 months. I must say, my biggest surprise has always been how consistent they are. Sure, they're not all 100% perfect but with 2 or 3 exceptions they've all been pretty close. Granted, my entire experience has been east of the Mississippi so i guess it could be different the further from their Va HQ you get.

I do know for a fact that every 5 guys has at least 2 mystery shopper visits per week and they're extremely anal about cleanliness.

And yes, I have gained about 10 pounds since i started visiting them :)