Five Guys Burgers and Fries
1780 Tiffin Ave.
567-301-2023
fiveguys.com
Open: Monday thru Sunday 11am-10pm
Push your fear of carbs to the curb when it comes to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
Sure, you could leave without eating the french fries. But why? Since opening last year at 1780 Tiffin Ave., outside the Findlay Village Mall, this eatery has lived up to its reputation of some of the best burgers around. It also boasts some of the yummiest fries we’ve ever tasted, in heaping portions that you’ll be sure to bring home.
The brightly-lit restaurant is reminiscent of diners — red and white pendant lights hang down from the ceiling, and simple wooden tables and chairs are surrounded by a red and white checkered chair rail. As you enter the restaurant you are greeted with a sign that says where today’s potatoes are from. On the day we visited, they were from Linford Farms in Sugar City, Idaho. Order at the counter, and you can then wait for your order to be called while listening to rocking music of a certain generation — Pat Benatar, Roy Orbison and other artists your kids don’t recognize.
The menu isn’t big — it’s a half sheet of paper — but Five Guys focuses on a handful of things and does them well. Burgers, hot dogs, fries and a few sandwiches are what’s offered, along with your choice of 15 toppings. My daughters ordered the Little Bacon Cheeseburger ($5.29), a single 100 percent beef patty. My husband ordered the regular Bacon Cheeseburger ($6.89), which in the Five Guys world contains two beef patties. And there are options for non-meat eaters, as well. I ordered the Cheese Veggie Sandwich ($3.69) but could also have ordered grilled cheese or a veggie sandwich without the cheese.
And, of course, we ordered fries. We had been cautioned by a friend that if we ordered the large ($4.99) we had better be very, very hungry. So we ordered two regular portions ($2.99) for the four of us to share — one “Five Guys Style” and one Cajun style. We were a little nervous about the Cajun seasoning — only one of us likes food with a kick — but figured it was worth trying. My husband also ordered a hot dog ($3.59).
While we waited for our food we got our drinks at the space-age drink station. You can choose different varieties of name-brand base cola, and add flavorings to your heart’s content. I’ll admit this one stumped me for a minute until my 10 year old explained how it worked. I might be sheltered, but I was impressed that I could try raspberry Coke!
Everyone really enjoyed their food. My husband remarked that he was expecting a more fast-food type burger, but it was just as good as any burger he’s had in fancier restaurants. The girls were quiet, which is always a good sign, and finished every bite. My veggie sandwich was really tasty. It was one of the few times I’ve gone to a meat-centric place with my family where I didn’t feel like I was stuck eating a salad or picking off part of my meal. It was full of grilled veggies and melted cheese on a bun, a nice option for those that don’t eat meat. My husband enjoyed his hot dog, saying it tasted just like the ones at the ballpark.
And about those fries? They arrived in a large paper bag, which prompted me to ask my husband if they mistakenly gave us a larger order. Nope, that was what we ordered, with extra thrown in on top. More like a feedbag of fries. The Cajun order was just right — enough of a kick to know it’s there, but not so overwhelming to more delicate palates. And it’s a good thing the fries arrived in a bag, since we ended up taking some of them home.
The only possible downside to Five Guys is that there is no dessert. But it’s enough that Five Guys focuses on what it does best, and forgets the rest. And, really, there’s no downside to that.
THE SHORT COURSE
Kid-friendly Yes
To avoid wait Consider ordering online at www.fiveguys.com
Noise level Fine
Bathroom amenities Changing table in women’s restroom
High Chairs Yes
Got Milk No, but they do have punch and lemonade fountain drinks
Kid’s menu? No, but a grilled cheese is available for kids who don’t like burgers and hot dogs
Anything healthy for the kids?
Toppings include some veggies
Food allergy concerns? Peanuts in the shell are available in the ordering line
