Five Guys vs. Smashburger - which for both burger AND fries
#16
Join Date: May 2015
Location: South Florida
Programs: DL Skymiles KE Skypass
Posts: 1,623
When I go to 5 Guys, I rather eat the peanuts than the fries. They give a cup of fries for a small order then add another scoop on top of them in the bag, making the bag itself very greasy. I usually end up throwing half of them out even if I am sharing them with my wife. If I am eating lunch solo, I will just get a one patty Bacon Burger as I don't really like American Cheese and get a cardboard container of peanuts.
BEWARE if you have a peanut allergy, I would not eat at 5 Guys as they are in open boxes (pre-Covid) and the dust is all over the store.
BEWARE if you have a peanut allergy, I would not eat at 5 Guys as they are in open boxes (pre-Covid) and the dust is all over the store.
#18
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
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Posts: 4,106
Good info. Limp fries are why I don't like In-N-Out. Yes, take out but since a friend is picking me up, I don't want to make her drive to 2 places plus I just want to get my food, stuff my face at home and go to sleep. 
Parmesan fries, you say? That sounds right up my alley.
There is a new Popeye's near the place but not quite open yet otherwise I would go there for a fried chicken piece of heaven sandwich.

Parmesan fries, you say? That sounds right up my alley.
There is a new Popeye's near the place but not quite open yet otherwise I would go there for a fried chicken piece of heaven sandwich.
#19
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Box Three Five Oh, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,133
Great Fries at 5 Guys, but I can't recall the last time they didn't cook my burger until it was VERY Well Done. That doesn't happen at Smash. And ^^ to the Parmesan fries
#22
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,194
I've been to 5 Guys many times and Smashburger only once, based completely on availability.
My Smashburger experience was fine but nothing special. I find Five Guys to be one of the best gourmet fast food burger places, if you go to the right store. The problem is inconsistency. The one closest to our home is one we avoid, because the teens working the grill don't seem to know what they're doing.
In your situation, to avoid disappointment, I'd probably go with Smashburger. But try 5 Guys a different time to find out if it's a good one or not.
My Smashburger experience was fine but nothing special. I find Five Guys to be one of the best gourmet fast food burger places, if you go to the right store. The problem is inconsistency. The one closest to our home is one we avoid, because the teens working the grill don't seem to know what they're doing.
In your situation, to avoid disappointment, I'd probably go with Smashburger. But try 5 Guys a different time to find out if it's a good one or not.
#23
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 29,309
5 Guys is definitely better, in the fries and burger category. How the fries are done seem fine to me, although I may ask for crispier ones next time just to try them out.
Just remember the fry portion is large. We get the regular size, and it’s enough for all three of us. Their cajun spiced fries never did anything for me.
Just remember the fry portion is large. We get the regular size, and it’s enough for all three of us. Their cajun spiced fries never did anything for me.
#24
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAH
Programs: UA MM, AA almost MM
Posts: 832
Love the fries at 5 Guys. Remember having a fancy meal a couple of years ago. instead of having deserts at the fancy restaurant, we walked a block to have fries for desert at 5 Guys. A wonderful finish for a wonderful night out. Been to Smashburger once but don't remember anything special about it.
#25
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Trenton NJ
Programs: UA Gold MM, AA Plat, Honors Silver, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, Wyndham Plat, National Exec, Hertz 5*
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For the burgers, I wind up going to 5 Guys rather than Smashburger because it's in the same plaza as my dry cleaner. Couldn't tell you where the nearest Smashburger is. However, I find 5 Guys to be greasy every single time I've had it regardless of what location. Don't remember that about Smashburger.
As for the fries, they're two different styles. 5 Guys are what we'd call boardwalk style fries here in the mid-Atlantic. Their portions are also huge. I never finish an entire order and I get the smallest one I can get. If I remember correctly, the Smashburger fries are shoestring if not match stick fries. They're much thinner than the 5 Guys ones. I did try them with the rosemary, garlic, and olive oil and decided I prefer them plain.
As for the fries, they're two different styles. 5 Guys are what we'd call boardwalk style fries here in the mid-Atlantic. Their portions are also huge. I never finish an entire order and I get the smallest one I can get. If I remember correctly, the Smashburger fries are shoestring if not match stick fries. They're much thinner than the 5 Guys ones. I did try them with the rosemary, garlic, and olive oil and decided I prefer them plain.
#26
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 418
Smashburger fries can be oily which I don't like. My wife likes the thin and oily rosemary and garlic fries from Smashburger. Thankfully the location nearest our home closed.
Last edited by TGarza; Nov 10, 20 at 2:44 pm
#27
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Redondo Beach, Ca
Posts: 22,969
Love the fries at 5 Guys. Remember having a fancy meal a couple of years ago. instead of having deserts at the fancy restaurant, we walked a block to have fries for desert at 5 Guys. A wonderful finish for a wonderful night out. Been to Smashburger once but don't remember anything special about it.

#29
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Berlin, SW Florida, and Toronto
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I find 5 Guys fries tend to be mushy and tasteless. I’ve tried them in several locations, but they just don’t work for me. My local French restaurant does much better frites.
#30
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Redondo Beach, Ca
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