June 2005 Cheap Eats

A few years ago there were three Five Guys restaurants in the area. Today there are some 20 and counting. The reason for the success? The burgers and fries are better than the competition's.

Although hot dogs and other items are available, the smart money stays with the double burgers accompanied by fries and an eye-popping condiment lineup. At $3.79, the hand-packed burgers are a treat. Although servers will not provide customers with meat less than well done, the taste and juices will make you think otherwise. Burgers are cooked when ordered, and the fries are made in small batches. Crates of Idaho or Maine potatoes indicate that this is the real thing.

The drill is simple: Go to the counter and order, specifying whether you want sautéed mushrooms, onions, bacon, jalapeños, or something else on top of your burger. While waiting for your number to be called, munch on the free peanuts in a barrel near the counter. If you're eating in, take your bag of burgers and fries to a table by way of the condiment counter.