Five Guys: Well Done, Indeed

After a not unpleasant hike that involved a walk in the hazy heat from Rego Park to Flushing and a 20-minute bus ride to College Point, Gothamist arrived at Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries the other day. As expected, the dreaded mantra of the D.C.-based burgermeisters hung above the counter in the cheery red-and-white dining room. It read: "We Cook All Our Meat WELL-DONE." When asked why on earth anyone would cook a hamburger, much less any meat in such a fashion, the cashier replied, "Don't worry, it's still juicy."

Given the dozens of rave reviews lining the walls, Gothamist decided to keep an open mind. It should be noted that a "hamburger" at Five Guys consists of two 3.3-ounce patties. (If for some ungodly reason you wish to eat less well-done beef, you must order a "Little Hamburger.") Our hamburger was topped with bacon, cheese, tomatoes, ketchup and raw onions and sided with a regular order of fries. The Guys present all orders in brown paper bags, whether they're to go or not. Perhaps there was a tray shortage in the D.C. area when they first opened. Tearing open the bag provides a serviceable tray much like butcher paper acts as a plate at any good Texas barbecue joint.

As you can see, the patties themselves remained quite juicy, and had a wonderful crispy, crunchy char on top that would make Louis-Camille Maillard beam with pride. Combined with the squishy sesame bun and the other ingredients it was truly delicious. It was certainly the best well-done burger that ever passed our lips.

And just why were these well-done burgers done so well? The answer's simple: every morning the staff churns out anywhere from 600 to 800 hand-formed beef patties. The hand-cut fries were also fabulous. As a sign on the wall pointed out, that day's fries hailed from Rigby, Idaho.

If you want to avoid the trek to College Point, just wait until July when the Guys plan to open a Manhattan location. Can't wait that long? They're a opening a store in Brooklyn Heights next month.

Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries is located at 132-01 14 Avenue (at 132 Street) in College Point, Queens. 718-767-6500.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Joe DiStefano in Food on May 17, 2007 11:15 AM

Comments [rss]

guest

I just tried the place out. First off, they must have about 9 people behind the counter. It seemed like they were all training because the girl on the grill was the only one working and instructing the rest of the crew. There was an Asian guy who stood staring at 4 burgers for 2 minutes and 43 seconds (I timed him) without touching them. I'm still trying to figure out how the other 8 employees could ignore the orders that were not going out. Mine was one of them and all it needed was BBQ sauce and to be wrapped up. OK, I understand they just opened so I will let this go. As far as the taste, the burger was OK (all burgers are cooked well), nothing to write home about. The fries were very good. I think that Henry Street Ale House has a better tasting burger (you can get it cooked the way you want it also), and their fries are almost as good but not as crispy as Five Guys. They should really consider delivering. I will try them again. They seem like a clean operation.

A T

I am surprised no one mentioned BRGR. Best burgers in the city. But still I am looking forward to trying Five Guys

westsiiiiiide

Sorry but the best is the west - Apple Pan on Pico Blvd, Westside LA. C'mon by.But I wil give 5 guys a try when I am in town, thanks for the tip. Well done is not bad if well done.

And Blair, it's Heathen, and Toby, seriously, shut up. You chose to be veggie, now deal.

Toby

To martha jones and SP:

Some times vegetarians go out with a group of meat eaters and get hosed. It is not entitlement we seek, it is just options when we tag along with the meat eaters, some of which say things like, oh they have vegetarian options, but it turns out to just be a joke of a salad.

barbarian

a burger is not easy to make if you don't have a grill.

a

fuck off toby

Still Not Amused

My stomach says "Yes", My colon says "Are you trying to tell me that you want to spend about ten minutes on the toilet sweating trying to push all that beef out ??"

SP

the secret to a KNOCKOUT home made burger is

martha jones

For burgersaresoeasy:

Not everyone is capable of making their own tasty burgers. Or want to.

Plus when the one opens in my neighborhood it will be easier for me to just pick one up than to cook it.

KevinWalsh

I tried sushi a couple of years ago. Tasted just like raw fish, so I spat it out...

www.forgotten-ny.com

anonymass

"Sorry to break this to you Kevin, but it's 2007, not 1973. It may be nice to let your palate explore food that's not cooked to death."

Your screenname says it all!

burgers are so easy

Seriously folks, its so easy to make a fantastic burger at home - why trek all the way out there and spend way too much money? A burger is about the easiest possible meal to make!

KevinWalsh

>>>>Sorry to break this to you Kevin, but it's 2007, not 1973. It may be nice to let your palate explore food that's not cooked to death.

It's a matter of taste, which is timeless.

www.forgotten-ny.com

.

Nob Hill Bar & Grill in Portland Oregon

why go there when you have Burgerville? delicious, affordable, and the only fast food chain to use local ingredients. I wish they had them here.

martha jones

The Brooklyn Heights location is on Montague St. between Clinton and Henry where Montague Video used to be before they moved across the street.

MBF

The one in Brooklyn Heights will be on Montague, between Hicks and Henry I believe. Two blocks from my place so I'll be sure to check it out and see what the fuss is all about, the inside looks it should be open in the next 2-4 weeks hopefully.

E.Coli

Sorry to break this to you Kevin, but it's 2007, not 1973. It may be nice to let your palate explore food that's not cooked to death.

frank

As a recently relocated Pittsburgh ex-pat I'm amazed that we had Five Guys in the burgh before NYC did. One of my favorite things about Five Guys is that they use FRESH not pickled jalapenos on their burgers!