Vote: Five Guys versus In-N-Out

When the craving strikes for a burger, where do you go? Do you head for the drive-through at your local In-N-Out, that icon of Southern California culture? Or do you keep driving until you hit Five Guys, the upstart burger joint that's giving In-N-Out a run for its money?

A story in Friday's Business section says the East Coast interloper is starting to eat In-N-Out's lunch:

Like In-N-Out, Five Guys' menu is focused on single and double hamburgers and cheeseburgers, along with hand-cut fries. And like In-N-Out, Five Guys restaurants are red and white, with perky employees in red-and-white uniforms.

And Five Guys is coming on strong.

The privately held chain, which has 770 locations in the U.S. and Canada, began moving into California two years ago with a handful of shops in Orange County and the Inland Empire.

What do you think? Have you tried Five Guys? Which do you prefer? Vote and then tell us why in the comments section below. (Personally, I prefer Five Guys. But not because of the burgers. I prefer Five Guys because their fries are served well-done and with seasoned salt.)

RELATED:

Latest recipes from the L.A. Times Test Kitchen

Times restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila would like to quiz you

Buckle up, L.A.: Season 2 of Jamie Oliver's 'Food Revolution' gets underway

-- Rene Lynch
Twitter / renelynch

Photos: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Gary Allen]

Finally had the opportunity to try Five Guys and must admit it was delicious.Did not enjoy the fries(regular and cajun),just to salty and greasy.
Sticking with In-N-Out simply because for one it is always fresh,consistent,prepared quickly but not just thrown together(like Five Guys,Carls Jr,etc).Quite a difference in price as well.In-N-Out much less expensive.I will give Five Guys props for offering a variety of add-ons which should satisfy many burger lovers out there.Now I have a major craving!!!

[PHANIEL]

I went to Five guys yesterday and first let me tell you that for two double chesse burgers and 2 regular fries and drinks that was $20. I spend nearly half that at In n out okay, there burgers are not seasoned and I did not taste the chopped mushrooms or chopped onions, the fries are okay, there not bad. Heres the thing In N out has a special menu which allows you to get well done fries or animal style.5 guys does not have that, so I am in n out all the way. Hey I am from Cali.

[dee-nice]

5 guys, by far!
their burgers are tasty and have way more tooping options... and A-FREAKING-1... amazing...
in-n-out's burgers are mediocre at best and their fries are just awful!! like compacted potatoe powder sticks.
i'll pass on the in-n-out anyday

[Press Box John]

Recently I went to 5 guys in Temecula. What a great burger!!! So many free toppings to choose to create your own burger. A couple of months back I went to my local In-n-Out in Burbank. When I got my hamburger I had to open the bun to see if there was any meat in it. I sent them an email because it was so small. (This is where you insert the Wendy's slogan - "where's the Beef"!!). I have always been an In-n-Out guy until I went to 5 guys.

[Harry Sucio]

I agree that it's an apples and origins comparison. I don't even consider them competitors. Here's why: A 5 Guys cheeseburger has 55 grams of fat. An In N Out cheeseburger has 27 (Double Double with cheese and spread is 41 grams of fat). 5 Guys is great, but then you need a nap. I'm as much as a health fanatic as a carnivorous foodie can be, and I eat In N Out once a week.

In N Out is obviously West Coast in origin - light, fairly healthy, not greasy. 5 Guys is the other end of the burger spectrum. Yeah they're both great, but you won't see me hitting 5 Guys on the way home from the gym.

The Habit is nice and healthy too - it's a California thing. 5 Guys is for fat people, or body builders in training, other than that, it's an extremely rare treat for me. I hit the one in Westlake after a 10 mile hike. That's how I do 5 Guys.

[Lyda]

i've never had five guys. i just tried to order a cheeseburger online... $5.79??? Isn't a double-double like $3? How is Five Guys a better value?

[Marc]

I know it seems like an obvious challenge (in n out VS five guys) but these two places are apples and oranges. And I think five guys comes out the winner without question. Don't get me wrong, I love in n out and have been eating there for years - but these are two totally different type of burgers. In n out, while fresh and tasty, is still put together in a cookie cutter (sort of perfect) type construct. Five guys is a messier burger. Way juicer. Way better bun (soft as opposed to toasted) and the ingredients jump off the burger. Not because they are any fresher - but because they are tossed together and stick out the edges. Throw in the old bay-like seasoning on the fries and hands down - you've got a way better burger experience. At the end of the day - In n out beats McDonald's. And Five guys beats In n out.

[Boigahs!]

For a great Burger at a great price, I go to Tees On the Green at Verdugo Hills Golf Course. They are super fresh and the sauce has a great kick to it. It's a real gem!

[ralphy]

Who the H*LL cares about fries, In n out has the best burgers for the money anywhere PERIOD. People back east TRY to reverse engineer them to make homemade. I personally think their secret is the buns, most likely custom made for in n out.

For something more substantial, 25 Degrees @ The Roosevelt Hollywood has some Ridiculously good burgers, kinda expensive but worth it.

[Marv]

I have eaten a both IN-N-OUT is still the best, but they better be watching who is charging up in their rear view mirror!!

[William]

I like Five Guys better, but it is more expensive, also the frys are better too.

[michelle]

Personally I like In N Out because its more affordable. If I'm going to spend that kind of money at Five Guys, I'll go to "The Counter"