Review: Five Guys - Fries

Five Guys Fries are what Wendy's would call "natural cut" AKA skin-on fries. Unlike Wendy's new fries (which are shipped frozen to each restaurant), Five Guys' Fries are cut fresh in house before frying in In-N-Out fashion.

$3.99 buys you a large order enough to share with four friends or maybe just one friend if you're a big eater. I wouldn't recommend eating an entire large order by yourself for two reasons: one, it's over a pound of fries; and two, it's nearly 1,500 calories worth of fried potatoes.

A large order of fries comes in a 20-ounce cup in a brown bag with a fair amount of spillage into the bag.

They are offered in regular "Five Guys" style (i.e. seasoned with salt) or "Cajun" style with Cajun seasonings. I opted for regular because I like to kick it old school... okay, not really; I just figured I get more of an unmuddled potato flavor free from distractions. Apparently, the fries are sourced from various locations that change regularly and are listed on a board (mine came by way of Idaho and Washington):

Five Guys Fries are cut thicker than most fast food chains (definitely thicker than all the majors I can think of off the top of my head). The ends result is a deep potato flavor that is moist and tender inside retaining it's texture like a baked potato does while still crisping enough outside to give you a bit of a bite. I have heard that it's not always crisp though so you're miles may vary.

We poured the fries into the bag for easier access and sharing.

I was pleasantly surprised by the moderate use of salt (a little more than 200mg in a large order), especially in comparison to most of the fast food industry. It was just enough to enhance the flavor of the fries without making your reach for your drink. It might not be salty enough for some, but it's always easier to add salt than it is to remove it.

I really like Five Guys Fries; they're very different from most places and they're very good. I'll definitely be back for them. For those who don't care for the fries, Five Guys also offers free peanuts for you to shell and eat.

Five Guys Restaurant Locator

Nutritional Info - Five Guys Large Fries (572g)
Calories - 1480 (610 from Fat)
Fat - 71g (Saturated Fat - 14g)
Sodium - 210mg
Carbs - 184g (Sugar - 5g)
Protein - 24g