Invasion of the burger chains
Jan 15, 2009 | 9:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM, HA, VS
Posts: 91,956
Invasion of the burger chains
I know there is a best burger thread out there, but it's old news and the links are dead. Here is a little ditty on five national chains that have recently come to Chicago.
You can look at the link for all the nutritional information, addresses, etc. I'll just summarize the Tribs' findings for each chain - and these are cheeseburgers:
Sonic Drive-In Grade: A-
Fatburger Grade C+
Meatheads Grade B
Five Guys Grade B+
Construction (top to bottom): Bun / Mayo / Lettuce / Pickles / Tomatoes / Patty / Cheese / Patty / Onions / Mushrooms / Ketchup-Mustard / Bun
Taste test: The version we ordered is known as an "All The Way" ... a challenge to fit first bite of burger into mouth; jaws slightly sore ... the double patties were the beefiest of the beefs, yet could be seasoned better ... love the sweet, brioche-like bun here ... many free toppings to choose from; grilled mushrooms were especially nice.
The Counter Grade A-
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entert...7.story?page=1
You can look at the link for all the nutritional information, addresses, etc. I'll just summarize the Tribs' findings for each chain - and these are cheeseburgers:
Sonic Drive-In Grade: A-
Construction (top to bottom): Bun / Cheese / Patty / Cheese / Patty / Tomato / Lettuce / Pickles / Mustard-Mayo-Ketchup / Bun
Taste test: A nice sweetness to the buns ... the cheese has successfully melted into the patty's crevices and created an amalgam of beefy wonderfulness ... well-balanced and well-flavored on the whole ... not as greasy as similar burgers.
Taste test: A nice sweetness to the buns ... the cheese has successfully melted into the patty's crevices and created an amalgam of beefy wonderfulness ... well-balanced and well-flavored on the whole ... not as greasy as similar burgers.
Construction (top to bottom): Bun / Mayo / Lettuce / Tomato / Pickle / Onion / Relish / Mustard / Beef / Cheese / Bun
Taste test: Prominent taste of relish upon first bite ... a soft toasted bun though slightly stale around the edges ... lacking adequate seasoning ... griddled beef had a crispy edge, but mine was overcooked and had a break-apart, mealy quality. This doesn't speak for Fatburger's quality; I've had fantastic ones in the past incredibly filling, rich, and this was only the second smallest of five options of burger sizes ... throw in the towel, coach.
Taste test: Prominent taste of relish upon first bite ... a soft toasted bun though slightly stale around the edges ... lacking adequate seasoning ... griddled beef had a crispy edge, but mine was overcooked and had a break-apart, mealy quality. This doesn't speak for Fatburger's quality; I've had fantastic ones in the past incredibly filling, rich, and this was only the second smallest of five options of burger sizes ... throw in the towel, coach.
Construction (top to bottom): Bun / Ketchup-Mustard-Mayo / Pickles / Cheese / Patty / Cheese / Patty / Grilled Onions / Tomato / Lettuce / Bun
Taste test: Physically resembles a Wendy's Deluxe Double Stack, tastes a lot better though ... the veg looks fresh and vibrant ... soft potato bun surprisingly sturdy ... loved the griddled double Angus beef patty seared to a nice crisp ... fine, upstanding and respectable, can't say anything bad about it; it's the Patrick Fitzgerald of cheeseburgers.
Taste test: Physically resembles a Wendy's Deluxe Double Stack, tastes a lot better though ... the veg looks fresh and vibrant ... soft potato bun surprisingly sturdy ... loved the griddled double Angus beef patty seared to a nice crisp ... fine, upstanding and respectable, can't say anything bad about it; it's the Patrick Fitzgerald of cheeseburgers.
Five Guys Grade B+
Construction (top to bottom): Bun / Mayo / Lettuce / Pickles / Tomatoes / Patty / Cheese / Patty / Onions / Mushrooms / Ketchup-Mustard / Bun
Taste test: The version we ordered is known as an "All The Way" ... a challenge to fit first bite of burger into mouth; jaws slightly sore ... the double patties were the beefiest of the beefs, yet could be seasoned better ... love the sweet, brioche-like bun here ... many free toppings to choose from; grilled mushrooms were especially nice.
The Counter Grade A-
Construction (top to bottom): Bun / Red Relish / Pickles / Cheese / Patty / Red Onions / Tomato / Bun
Taste test: Wow, the only "chain" that cooks the burger medium "unless otherwise requested," as a result, beef patties resembling something you'd make in your backyard ... a hint of pepperiness in the Angus beef ... the pickles are fantastic, tangy, sweet and crunchy ... the red relish, fancy name for ketchup + relish, brings everything together ... the buns boast a firm crust; love that it's buttered and toasted ... more sandwich than burger, more parts than sum, though neatly assembled, aesthetically pleasing.
Taste test: Wow, the only "chain" that cooks the burger medium "unless otherwise requested," as a result, beef patties resembling something you'd make in your backyard ... a hint of pepperiness in the Angus beef ... the pickles are fantastic, tangy, sweet and crunchy ... the red relish, fancy name for ketchup + relish, brings everything together ... the buns boast a firm crust; love that it's buttered and toasted ... more sandwich than burger, more parts than sum, though neatly assembled, aesthetically pleasing.
Jan 16, 2009 | 7:25 am
#4
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM, HA, VS
Posts: 91,956
Not sure there's all that much difference between A- And B+, but the guy said he's also had Fatburgers better than the particular one he ate for this comparison. Five Guys and The Counter are actually in the city (Clybourn and Diversey, respectively), which is a good thing. Usually, these places end up in some far suburb.
Jan 16, 2009 | 8:19 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: The District
Posts: 4,785
True, I've also had Fatburger that was really good and some that were so-so. In LA, they were great, in Atlanta, I never go there because I've never had an even slightly above average burger at the location here.
In my opinion, Five Guys is miles ahead of Sonic. I would never in a million years even consider Sonic if a Five Guys was just around the corner. I only go to Sonic for their fruit smoothies. Those are great.
In my opinion, Five Guys is miles ahead of Sonic. I would never in a million years even consider Sonic if a Five Guys was just around the corner. I only go to Sonic for their fruit smoothies. Those are great.
Jan 17, 2009 | 10:23 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1K, American EXP & 3 Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist & Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 2,387
True, I've also had Fatburger that was really good and some that were so-so. In LA, they were great, in Atlanta, I never go there because I've never had an even slightly above average burger at the location here.
In my opinion, Five Guys is miles ahead of Sonic. I would never in a million years even consider Sonic if a Five Guys was just around the corner. I only go to Sonic for their fruit smoothies. Those are great.
In my opinion, Five Guys is miles ahead of Sonic. I would never in a million years even consider Sonic if a Five Guys was just around the corner. I only go to Sonic for their fruit smoothies. Those are great.
Jan 17, 2009 | 3:35 pm
#8
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM, HA, VS
Posts: 91,956
Jan 19, 2009 | 11:00 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, US
Posts: 2,210
Tried out 5 guys over the weekend after a movie at Webster Place. I thought the burger was pretty good. I had the Cajun fries. They were a bit spicier then I expected, but then, I wasn't expecting much. Tasty. They also gave all of us a ton of fries. The regular cup was about a 12 oz styrofoam cup. There were easily enough fries in the bag to fill the cup three times. Lesson: split the fries with someone 
Double bacon cheeseburger with regular fries/regular drink was about $11.
Double bacon cheeseburger with regular fries/regular drink was about $11.
Jan 19, 2009 | 1:38 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, Breezy 2
Posts: 12,608
I have found that Five Guys away from DC/NOVA are not quite as good as the originals. And the prices in Chicago are signifcantly higher than elsewhere (my last one was $4.99 outside of Albany) for obvious reasons. I will have to try the Oak Park location once the weather gets better and I can find parking a short walk away. But I'll be back in Albany in three weeks, so I think I can hold out until then!
I like Sonic, but their burgers are not in that top class. I had Fatburger outside of Seattle last fall, and was not impressed at all.
I have not tried Meat Heads, I may have to do so next weekend.
I like Sonic, but their burgers are not in that top class. I had Fatburger outside of Seattle last fall, and was not impressed at all.
I have not tried Meat Heads, I may have to do so next weekend.
Jan 19, 2009 | 2:09 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, Breezy 2
Posts: 12,608
Jan 19, 2009 | 6:17 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Summer at the Jersey Shore AAAH
Posts: 11,294
Jan 19, 2009 | 7:55 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: The District
Posts: 4,785
Yep. The first time we went, we each got a regular burger and a regular fries. Neither of us made it halfway through our food. Now it's a little burger for each and a shared fries. Perfect.... and really yummy!
I'm in Chicago now. Wish there was a 5 Guys near my hotel. I could go for a burger but I'm sure there are tons of places around here to get one... I just don't want to get out in the cold. lol
Jan 20, 2009 | 10:51 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K,SPG Plat,
Posts: 1,091
went to 5 Guys last night. Burgers were great, the amount of fries they gave us was ridiculous. If I can't have In-N-Out, I'll take this. Epic Burger is next on the taste test, plus it's closer to home.
I had forgotten about the peanuts. The kids with us got a big treat out of dropping the shells on the floor, something their parents were horrified that they were allowed to do.
I had forgotten about the peanuts. The kids with us got a big treat out of dropping the shells on the floor, something their parents were horrified that they were allowed to do.