Five Guys, West Bloomfield

The Five Guys' Menu.  A certain food item is prominently featured.

Five Guys is a burger joint that's been operating in the Washington, D.C. area for many years.  According to their website, they began franchising nation-wide in 2003.  However, if you're anything like me, you first heard about them when the President ate there two years ago.

Not long after that, Five Guys began opening locations in Metro Detroit.  At that point, it was pretty clear that I would have to eat there eventually.

The interior of Five Guys.  A few visits and you'll figure out that no place in Idaho sounds real.

Two words come to mind when you see the interior of Five Guys: Red and White.  A third, equally accurate word would be hectic.  Lots of people go to Five Guys, and they tend to crowd around the front (though Five Guys has learned the 'separate entrance and exit doors' system).  Orders are placed up front, and then you get a number.  They call your number, and then you get your food.  But first, there's some waiting.

The interior, as mentioned before, is red and white.  It's not exactly designed to evoke the 50s diners, but it's not far off.  The seating area is pretty open, without booths, and consists entirely of wooden furniture and plastic tables.  Additionally, the walls are covered in testimonials, both professional and amateur, as to Five Guys' quality.  

The one in the foreground is from Detroit, but they display reviews from nationwide publications.

One note on both the menu and the decor: both are very peanut-heavy.  There are a few signs pronouncing free peanuts while you wait for your order.  This isn't something you ask for, there are just shipping boxes of peanuts near the counter, and you help yourself.  Additionally, the french fries are fried in peanut oil.  For some people, these amenities might be a great draw.  For the peanut-allergic, they can inspire a bit of reticence.  Not enough, though, to keep them (which is to say, us) from the burger.

Burgers come wrapped in aluminum foil, whether you're dining in or carrying out.  The burger consists of two small patties on a soft, warm bun.  The bun has some sesame seeds, but those don't really serve much purpose.  Despite the burger's smallish appearance, it's very filling, though not exactly flavorful.  The burger isn't exactly greasy, but it isn't exactly not-greasy.   

Unfortunately, I was not able to try the fries.  As mentioned above, they're fried in peanut oil, which, based on reports I've heard, make them extra-delicious, but which I've decided make them not-worth-the-risk.  

Five Guys is a cheap burger.  A quote on the wall from GQ magazine acknowledges this, and even celebrates it.  It's not exactly fast, and there isn't any sort of a fun theme, but for what it is, Five Guys is a fine meal.

This picture tells you a lot about Five Guys, if you stare at it long enough.  You can't prove that this picture is filler!