After finally experiencing both Five Guys and In N Out burgers I am now prepared to voice my opinion about America's overhyped burgers. Both are good burgers, scoring in my book above McDonalds and Whataburger. But one has to ask the question: "Was the bang-to-hype ratio valid?"
I first experienced Five Guys in Washington D.C. a year and a half ago, having heard promises of one of the best burgers in the nation. Since then I've eaten at several locations in the DFW metroplex. The interior is bright white--so white that upon entering the glare almost causes one to don sunglasses. The look is sleek and clean but I don't get the salted peanuts. The burgers are thick and juicy, a clear plus over the chain restaurants. The meat patty is larger than the bun so that is a plus in my book. The portion of fries was huge and a good value. I liked the large cut of the fries as well. Service was friendly though 2 out of 3 times I've waited excessively when the restaurant was not that crowded. Overall grade: B+ (can't give it an A -)
Today my mission was In-N-Out (INO). Again, all white interior? It reminded me of the Progressive auto insurance commercial with that redhead lady. Staff all had crisp and clean uniforms and hats. I kind of felt like I was on the bridge of the Enterprise in Star Trek. Service was both friendly and fast. Employees did not appear to be miserable like I've seen in other chains. The burger I ordered supposedly had fresh ingredients (according to their braggadocio). I could definitely tell. The special sauce was a knockoff of the "thousand island" that the Big Mac has but was not overwhelming. The fries were a smaller cut but good. Overall taste was very good. Overall grade: A -
Both are clearly above the chains we are used to here in Texas but the bang-to-hype ratio was way overboard for both. My preference at this point: In-N-Out.
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