Restaurant review: Five Guys Burgers & Fries (Scarborough)

Like many Canadians, I have the habit of visiting fast food chains not available in Canada while visiting the United States. This means that when a U.S. fast food chain decides to set up shop nearby (or, of course, if a new Canadian fast food chain is started), it calls for a trip there, especially if I have not previously had the chance to try them out in the States!

The latest U.S. fast food chain coming north is Five Guys Burgers & Fries. The recipient of many awards, it has grown from its first location in Virginia (opened 1986) to over 750 today. One of the newer Canadian locations is in 810 Warden Avenue in Scarborough:

Stepping in front of the cashier, I was already impressed by the staff. They are so happy and clearly glad to be working. Caitlyn, who took my order, explained thoroughly the distinctive characteristics of each menu item. I decided to get a Bacon Cheeseburger (2 patties, with lettuce and tomato as my customized toppings, $8.49), Regular Fries ($3.49), and a Regular fountain drink (free refills, $1.99):

The burger was excellent and well worth the short wait for it to be made upon ordering. You can really taste the freshness in the meat, and the grilling was perfect in that the taste and texture (crispiness) of the patty was just right, with nothing coming across as burnt. With the bacon nice and crisp and the cheese done right as well, it was one of the best burgers I ever had.

Just as Caitlyn told me, the regular order of fries was indeed a lot. They are of the soft variety, which was not my preferred type (I prefer crispy). Unless you specifically enjoy this type of fry, it would not be a good value. For my next trip I plan on having a hot dog with my burger instead.

Bottom line, great people and excellent burgers, but skip the fries.