Why can’t I learn my lesson…

[Hawki97]

Five Guys burgers. Not that great. To self: quit going and thinking they’re going to be different this time. You’ll save the $20 for a single bacon cheese and fries you won’t eat anyway.

All I really want is a quick burger that tastes like a real open flame cooked burger. Not sure that exists anymore. B-Bops is close, but I don’t live in the DSM area anymore.

SAD!

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Five Guys sucks.

 

[Hawki97]

Five Guys sucks.

They really do. I think I thought they were decent maybe 5-7ish years ago. Did they change? Or is it just me.

 

[SeaPA]

You'd be better off going to Burger King. It would still suck, but would suck for 70% less money.

 

[ping72]

They really do. I think I thought they were decent maybe 5-7ish years ago. Did they change? Or is it just me.

They were great like 10-12 years ago. Since then quality has dipped and prices are 2-3x higher.

 

[ATLNole1]

They have always sucked.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

They really do. I think I thought they were decent maybe 5-7ish years ago. Did they change? Or is it just me.

What SeaPa said. I’m not picky about burgers but they’re so overpriced. Just not worth it.

 

[Hawki97]

You'd be better off going to Burger King. It would still suck, but would suck for 70% less money.

Funny thing is, the “flame broiled burger” the king used to churn out in the 80’s is what I think I’m always hungry for and can’t find. It could very well be that I’m misremembering how great they were.

 

[torbee]

Five Guys burgers. Not that great. To self: quit going and thinking they’re going to be different this time. You’ll save the $20 for a single bacon cheese and fries you won’t eat anyway.

All I really want is a quick burger that tastes like a real open flame cooked burger. Not sure that exists anymore. B-Bops is close, but I don’t live in the DSM area anymore.

SAD!

I love 5 Guys myself, but have to be in the mood for a gut-busting, one-meal day soaked in grease. Go in expecting that and you aren't disappointed.

For what you are talking about though --- "a quick burger that tastes like a real open flame cooked burger" --- I really think a Culver's cheeseburger is just about perfect. Always cooked to order, always delicious, definitely has the flavor you're looking for.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Funny thing is, the “flame broiled burger” the king used to churn out in the 80’s is what I think I’m always hungry for and can’t find. It could very well be that I’m misremembering how great they were.

A 99 cent Whopper tastes pretty good…

 

[Hawki97]

What SeaPa said. I’m not picky about burgers but they’re so overpriced. Just not worth it.

Yeah, they were never in my market until the last couple years so maybe it was closer to a decade ago that I thought they were decent burgers. May have just been a novelty thing.

 

[SeaPA]

Funny thing is, the “flame broiled burger” the king used to churn out in the 80’s is what I think I’m always hungry for and can’t find. It could very well be that I’m misremembering how great they were.

I still love the aroma grom BK when they are cooking - it smells better than a 5 star restaurant.
Then I take a bite, and come crashing back to the reality that I am at the BK lounge.

 

[The Tradition]

Does Iowa have COOK OUT?

COOK OUT – Fresh Burgers, BBQ, Hot Dogs, and Shakes

cookout.com

 

[Hawki97]

I love 5 Guys myself, but have to be in the mood for a gut-busting, one-meal day soaked in grease. Go in expecting that and you aren't disappointed.

For what you are talking about though --- "a quick burger that tastes like a real open flame cooked burger" --- I really think a Culver's cheeseburger is just about perfect. Always cooked to order, always delicious, definitely has the flavor you're looking for.

I eat Culver’s on the regular. They’re the best fast food burger in my market.

That said, they’re definitely not “cooked over an open flame.”

 

[Hawki97]

Does Iowa have COOK OUT?

COOK OUT – Fresh Burgers, BBQ, Hot Dogs, and Shakes

cookout.com

Funny thing is I was just going to post this. Cook Out is EXACTLY what I want. It does not exist in Iowa. Nothing close unfortunately.

 

[The Tradition]

I love 5 Guys myself, but have to be in the mood for a gut-busting, one-meal day soaked in grease. Go in expecting that and you aren't disappointed.

For what you are talking about though --- "a quick burger that tastes like a real open flame cooked burger" --- I really think a Culver's cheeseburger is just about perfect. Always cooked to order, always delicious, definitely has the flavor you're looking for.

The last time I ate there (Culver's) the burger sucked. Not sure what happened. It's like the patty was smaller than usual.

 

[srams21]

I actually think Five Guys is pretty decent. The major issue though is their price point. It isn't nearly as good as they charge.

 

[Hawki97]

The last time I ate there (Culver's) the burger sucked. Not sure what happened. It's like the patty was smaller than usual.

That’s actually quite surprising. IMHO they’re the CFA of burger places. Always good. Very consistent. Clean. Normally friendly staff.

I’m a fan. They just don’t check the “open flame” box I’m whining about in this thread.

 

[torbee]

I eat Culver’s on the regular. They’re the best fast food burger in my market.

That said, they’re definitely not “cooked over an open flame.”

I think I actually prefer grilled on a flattop over open flame. All my favorites seem to be flattop variety.

 

[OrlandNole]

OP's mom had five guys last night.

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

They really do. I think I thought they were decent maybe 5-7ish years ago. Did they change? Or is it just me.

Not you…they suck, for the price.

It’s a decent burger but not a $20 burger and fries burger…and the fries kind of suck.

 

[Hawki97]

I think I actually prefer grilled on a flattop over open flame. All my favorites seem to be flattop variety.

I’m definitely not against them because I love hamburgers of any race, creed, or orientation. I think the open flame burger is massively under represented in the Midwest (see Trads comment on CookOut).

 

[goldmom]

They really do. I think I thought they were decent maybe 5-7ish years ago. Did they change? Or is it just me.

It’s not just you. Went in about three months ago and was really disappointed.
Their fries are still pretty good but not super special anymore either.

 

[Hawki97]

It’s not just you. Went in about three months ago and was really disappointed.
Their fries are still pretty good but not super special anymore either.

One of the things I’ve given 5Guys credit for is their fries. I normally don’t like “fresh cut” limp fries like Short’s fries that people jizz over (that’s an Iowa City reference for the Noles) - but 5Guys are pretty good. It’s their burger that has gone down hill to my memory.

 

[mnole03]

Haven’t been to one in five or six years because of the peanuts. It’s a shame if the quality dropped.

I like Freddy’s and Culver’s, but you’re really depending on the cook not ruining it by overcooking the edges.

 

[FAUlty Gator]

Get a Wendy’s Triple.

 

[QChawks]

I’d blow a trucker for an in&out burger in Davenport

 

[Hawki97]

Get a Wendy’s Triple.

Jesus, no. I swear Wendy’s sous vides there burgers or something. Cooked to temp, but zero grill flavor. I hate their burgers.

 

[Hawki97]

I’d blow a trucker for an in&out burger in Davenport

I’m sure this won’t go over well with you after this post…but, they’re only fine. Nothing special IMHO.

 

[ping72]

I’d blow a trucker for an in&out burger in Davenport

Easily the most overrated burger joint in America.

 

[torbee]

I’m sure this won’t grow over well with you after this post…but, they’re only fine. Nothing special IMHO.

Friend of mine took me to one in California.

He about flipped when I told him Culver’s was better by a fair margin.

I stand by my review.

 

[goldmom]

We just got Culver’s here a few months ago. I’ll have to try it.

 

[The Tradition]

We just got Culver’s here a few months ago. I’ll have to try it.

Ask for extra napkins. You'll need them. Greasy burgers.

 

[goldmom]

Ask for extra napkins. You'll need them. Greasy burgers.

Must be all that butter?

 

[The Tradition]

Must be all that butter?

I think the butter is in the buns. They're really nice.

 

[Hawki97]

Easily the most overrated burger joint in America.

The only reason “monster style” is popular is because that’s the first time an In-n-Out burger had some flavor beyond bland.

 

[Hawki97]

Must be all that butter?

Obvi! Embrace the Wisconsin. They’re great burgers.

 

[BelemNole]

Freaking Iowans (and floridians). In-n-Out is the best fast food burger for the same reason Five Guys sucks. You get a good burger meal for under $10. And like CFL it's fast, clean and friendly.

 

[The Tradition]

Freaking Iowans (and floridians). In-n-Out is the best fast food burger for the same reason Five Guys sucks. You get a good burger meal for under $10. And like CFL it's fast, clean and friendly.

I figured you'd hate CFL because they're closed on Sundays and donate money to the Boy Scouts and stuff like that.

 

[mthawkeyes]

I've always thought Red Robin has decent burgers, but it's been at least a couple years since I've eaten there. I like thick-cut fries, too.