- Address:
- 2140 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL, 60614
- Phone:
- 773-327-5953
- Overall User Rating:
-
(24 ratings)
- Hours:
- 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
- Official Web Site:
- http://www.fiveguys.com
Oh, the anticipation! Five Guys Burgers and Fries has been around since 1986, but Chicago had to wait more than 20 years to find out what all the fuss was about. The Virginia-based chain finally came to town early last month, when an outpost opened in Lincoln Park. The Great Burgerelli has been spurned by chain burgers in the past, so I proceeded with healthy skepticism. I was immediately pleased to see that Five Guys does not dabble in nonsense like chicken sandwiches and fish’wiches. Save for a cursory vegetarian option and a nod to the hot dog, it’s all about the burger, with just four options: hamburger ($4.99), cheeseburger or bacon burger ($5.59) and bacon cheeseburger ($6.19). Fries are an additional $2.59 but worth every cent. BURGERELLI'S BREAKDOWN The burger: While my fashion sense might indicate otherwise, I am a man of modest means. So I was simply tickled to learn that a Five Guys burger contains not a mere patty, but two patties. Quelle value! As a bonus, the dual-patty approach aids in heat distribution. The bun: I had reservations when I saw bun upon bun waiting to hit the grill in assembly-line fashion, but the end result was quite passable. If you enjoy a light, fluffy bun, however, be warned: Five Guys wraps all burgers in foil, invariably resulting in some deflation. The fixings: The Great Burgerelli is given to indecision. One day, I might be in a ketchup and pickle mood. The next, I fancy the sort of spice only jalapenos or hot sauce can deliver. Five Guys was ready to satisfy my every whim with 15 different toppings, all at no extra charge. A word on bacon: Five Guys places strips below the burger, smartly isolating them from sogginess-inducing condiments. Well done, gentlemen! Everything else: When I first read the full name of this place, my burger-loving sensibilities were offended. Five Guys Burgers and Fries? Since when do fries get equal billing? But these fries … oh, these fries! Cut to just the right size from fresh, skin-on potatoes and cooked in peanut oil, they’re not too greasy and delightfully crisp. Burgerelli’s bottom line: Come for the burgers, stay for the fries.
The Great Burgerelli is a connoisseur of burgers. E-mail him with suggestions for his next meal. gburgerelli@tribune.com
What other people are saying...
Ran5953 from Streeterville - April 30, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Holy Moley!!...I can't believe the big FUSS over this place. It's a fried burger smashed on a flat griddle...just like a million other Chicago burg...
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Report This Commentxray eyes from Lincoln Park - February 27, 2009 at 9:21 PM
Here's the fuss, 1, Sell franchise 2, use money from franchisor to pay PR firms to plant stories all around town about great you in some town a mil...
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