When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Five Guys
Why Five Guys is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Five Guys, established in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia, began as a small, family-run burger joint with a mission to serve high-quality, freshly prepared hamburgers and fries. Its commitment to quality, freshness, and a family-oriented approach has made it a favorite spot to meet friends and enjoy a casual dining experience. What sets Five Guys apart is its insistence on fresh ingredients such as hand-formed beef patties cooked to order, freshly cut French fries fried in pure peanut oil, and soft buns that complement their classic American menu. The restaurants offer a relaxed, straightforward atmosphere that welcomes groups and families alike. Guests appreciate the interactive experience of customizing their burgers with a wide variety of free toppings, fostering a personalized meal that adds to the communal dining pleasure. With more than 1,900 locations worldwide, Five Guys balances a neighborhood vibe with consistent quality and fast-casual service, making it an ideal place for catching up with friends whether for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Its enduring popularity reflects the original family values and dedication to crafting an exceptional burger experience.
Here's what people think of Five Guys
As of recent, Five Guys holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1242 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Five Guys for its fresh, flavorful burgers and crispy fries, which many consider a cut above typical fast-food options. Positive feedback highlights the quality of ingredients, such as the juicy, hand-formed beef patties and the generous portions of hand-cut fries cooked in distinctive peanut oil. The ability to customize burgers with numerous complimentary toppings adds to the appeal. Friendly service and a clean dining environment are also frequently mentioned positives that enhance the overall experience. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out the higher price range compared to other fast-food chains, with a few customers feeling the cost might not always match the portion size or value. Others mention occasional wait times during busy periods and limited menu variety beyond burgers and fries, which might affect those seeking more diverse or healthier options. While typically efficient, service inconsistency at some locations has also been noted. Overall, reviews suggest that Five Guys delivers on its promise of quality, making it a popular and reliable choice for burger lovers, with the few drawbacks not significantly detracting from its reputation as a top-tier fast-casual destination.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alex Dembs
Always great food here. They were busy so not much in the way of service other than, what can I get for you. But that's to be expected when they're slammed. Love the Cajun fries.
Vicki Pringle
We used to love Five Guys. Haven’t been in a few years but had a craving. Went to our local store in Ann Arbor tonight and it had to possibly be the worst burgers we’ve ever had. Burgers were over cooked and “crunchy.” Not just one but all three burgers. Needless to say, they were dry and not juicy like we like and have had in the past from Five Guys. Furthermore, they were extra light on the toppings and sauces. Barely any ketchup or mustard and don’t get me started on the lack of lettuce. We used to get a nice crunchy full leaf (or two) on our burgers. Today, I was lucky to get four 1-inch pieces of lettuce. Not to mention, they completely left off the grilled mushrooms I ordered. Fries were so-so and overly salted. I don’t know if mgmt / ownership changed or their employees were not trained properly or don’t give a crap but the quality of the food is subpar at best. Before we ordered, I had even told my husband I actually love Wendy’s burgers, plus they’re cheaper but we opted for five guys. After eating our order, I told him next time let’s skip five guys and go to Wendy’s. Sorry, but we will not be back.
Nessa
I called my order in from the parking lot. I walked inside two minutes later, and my burger was already cooked, dressed, and packaged. I asked the manager if the burgers were cooked to order and he said they were. When I explained that my burger was ready In three minutes, he said that they already had two patties ready, so I received food that had already been sitting. I explained that the burger was watery, and that the both buns were completely soaked as if they had been sitting in grease for a long time. His response was that they try to make their burgers as juicy as possible. So I spent $19 for a burger I couldn’t eat, and French fries. Not what I expected.
Sean Rice
I didn't take any pics of my food like I normally would. I was distracted by the person who was cleaning the restaurant and sweeping around guests as they were eating. The place cleared out pretty quick as she started cleaning, due to how aggressive she was about it. It was kind of gross to watch this person fling the broom so hard that you could see dust in the air. The looks on the other guests faces said the same thing. She was throwing the metal chairs and tables around the place, slamming them into the walls and one another. In such a small building it was a bit overwhelming to say the least. I kept waiting for the manager to say something, but it just looked like a bunch of kids flipping burgers. It was very obvious she didn't like cleaning the place and was making it well known. She had blocked the exit at one point for a couple of minutes while she was cleaning. I literally don't remember what my food was like, I know I ate it as fast as I could and left, I will not return to this place at all.
Kevin Wroblewski
It's twice now that my family have gotten to this location at around 11:20 and they have NOT been open. Both times employees were clearly inside but ignoring me and others wanting in. The first time we ended up waiting till 11:45 for them to open the doors. On Saturday 4/5 it happened again and we decided to drive to the other Ann Arbor Location. Got there around 11:30 and were the 10th order of the day. By that logic, they probably lost out on $300-400 on that day alone! How many other days are they not opening on time and losing customers? Where are the managers for this location???
How to reach Five Guys
None
Website: None
Why Five Guys may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Five Guys with your friends?
Gathering at Five Guys with friends offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience centered around quality, comfort, and casual fun. With a strong reputation and a solid 4.3-star rating from 1,242 reviews, Five Guys has built a name for serving fresh, handcrafted burgers and fries that bring people together. The lively, informal atmosphere makes it an ideal spot where groups can relax, share laughs, and enjoy great American-style food without all the fuss. Its legacy of family ownership and dedication to quality—from freshly ground beef to hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil—translates into every bite, creating a shared experience that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether it’s catching up after work, celebrating a casual birthday, or just craving some classic burger goodness, Five Guys delivers an environment conducive to socializing. The generous portions and customizable toppings ensure everyone in your group gets just what they want, making it easy to please diverse tastes in one go. All these factors combine to make Five Guys a natural gathering spot for friends looking to bond over delicious food in a welcoming setting.
What kind of activities can your group enjoy at Five Guys?
Five Guys specializes in offering food-centric communal enjoyment, making the core activity sharing and savoring high-quality burgers and fries. The atmosphere encourages conversation and close connection; the open kitchen design in many locations allows groups to watch their food being made fresh, adding a touch of interactive entertainment to the dining experience. While Five Guys is primarily a fast casual restaurant focused on eating, it provides a comfortable and casual space perfect for:
- Engaging in lively conversations over classic American fare.
- Customizing orders to create a unique dining experience for everyone in your group.
- Enjoying milkshakes that can be shared or indulged in as a sweet group treat.
- Watching local sports or events on available TVs in some locations to add a live communal vibe.
- Casual dining with children or larger groups due to available seating that encourages easy interaction.
Though not a venue for structured games or activities, its welcoming vibe and focus on great food cultivate a natural atmosphere for social bonding and informal celebration.
Why is Five Guys perfect for group meetups?
Five Guys is perfect for group meetups because it combines quality food, generous portions, and a relaxed environment that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Its modular ordering system means each person can customize their burger with no extra charge for toppings, accommodating dietary preferences and making group ordering hassle-free and satisfying. The large servings of hand-cut fries are ideal for sharing, fostering a communal dining experience. The casual design of the restaurant, often with communal-style tables and booths, encourages groups to sit together comfortably. Additionally, the noise level usually strikes a pleasant balance—lively enough to feel energetic but not so loud as to prevent conversation, making it ideal for catching up or planning group activities. The brand’s well-established reputation for consistency and freshness also reassures groups that everyone will leave happy and full without compromising on taste or quality. Finally, Five Guys’ widespread availability means it’s often a convenient, familiar choice, making coordination with friends from various neighborhoods easier.
What makes Five Guys food special for sharing?
Five Guys is renowned for attention to quality and freshness, which makes sharing its food especially satisfying in a group setting. Their burgers are made from 100% fresh, never frozen beef, cooked upon order, giving each sandwich a juicy, flavorful profile perfectly complemented by a variety of free toppings like grilled onions, mushrooms, and jalapeños that guests can mix and match. The fries are hand-cut daily and fried twice in pure peanut oil, leading to an irresistibly crispy outside and fluffy inside texture—the kind of fries that prompt sharing and friendly debate over the best flavor combinations. Milkshakes, made with real ice cream and available in several classic flavors, add a sweet finish that’s perfect for groups where some may want to split or try different flavors. Five Guys’ generous portion sizes also help make sharing practical and enjoyable, giving groups plenty to go around without cutting corners on taste or quality. The food’s fresh, made-to-order nature encourages savoring together and ensures no one has to settle for standard or pre-packaged fare.
How accessible and accommodating is Five Guys for gatherings?
Five Guys is designed to accommodate group meetups in several key ways. First, its locations typically offer flexible seating arrangements including booths, tables, and sometimes counter seating, enabling groups of various sizes to find comfortable spaces to gather. The layout often supports mingling or conversation, perfect for social meetups. Secondly, the menu’s simplicity combined with its highly customizable options means that individual preferences, dietary restrictions, or appetites are all easy to accommodate without complicating orders. Five Guys also places an emphasis on speedy, made-to-order service, helping keep wait times short even for larger parties, which is crucial when coordinating a group outing. Its casual environment allows for relaxed, informal gatherings without strict dress codes or booking requirements, so friends can just show up and enjoy. Finally, many Five Guys locations are strategically situated in shopping areas, near entertainment venues, or within urban centers, making them convenient meeting points and often easy to access by various modes of transport.
What is the history behind Five Guys and why does it matter for your meetup?
Knowing the history behind Five Guys enriches the meetup experience by connecting diners to a story of family dedication and hard work. Founded in 1986 by Jerry and Janie Murrell and their five sons, all of whom have remained involved, Five Guys began as a small carryout burger joint in Arlington, Virginia. The Murrell family’s commitment to quality ingredients, from freshly ground beef for burgers to hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil, quickly won regional fame. Over the years, their hands-on approach and passion for food earned Five Guys national popularity and a devoted fan base. This family-owned legacy emphasizes care, quality, and consistency—the very reasons why the dining experience at Five Guys feels welcoming and special. When you bring your friends to Five Guys, you’re not just sharing a meal; you’re partaking in a place built on genuine American entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, making your gathering feel a bit more meaningful and grounded in tradition.
How does Five Guys cater to different tastes within a group?
Five Guys excels in catering to the diverse tastes of any group thanks to its highly customizable menu. Each burger can be built with a wide variety of free toppings including lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, grilled onions, jalapeños, and several sauces, allowing each person to tailor their meal exactly to their liking without additional cost. This means vegetarians, meat lovers, and those with specific preferences can all find suitable options. In addition to burgers, Five Guys offers hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even veggie sandwiches, giving alternatives for those who may not want meat. The fries, available in regular and Cajun styles, add variety in flavor, and milkshakes come in several flavors that satisfy traditional and adventurous palates alike. This customization ensures everyone walks away happy, simplifying group ordering and making the restaurant an efficient, inclusive choice for different taste buds.
What makes Five Guys stand out from other burger joints for social gatherings?
Five Guys stands out from other burger chains primarily through its unwavering focus on freshness, quality, and an inviting atmosphere. Unlike many fast-food competitors, Five Guys uses fresh, never frozen beef and hand-cuts fries daily, making the food taste home-made and satisfying. Its unique choice of peanut oil for frying fries not only sets its flavor apart but also speaks to its commitment to quality even at a higher ingredient cost. The open-kitchen design and casual seating arrangement encourage a laid-back vibe that suits groups wanting to relax together without formality or rush. The chain’s consistent positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth attest to a reliable experience that groups can trust. Altogether, these attributes create a compelling destination for meetups where food quality and social ease are both priorities, elevating Five Guys from just another burger joint to a preferred spot for shared moments.
In what ways can Five Guys handle larger group meetups smoothly?
Five Guys is well-prepared to handle larger groups thanks to its efficient ordering system and flexible seating. Many locations accommodate group sizes ranging from small parties to moderately large gatherings with tables that can be pushed together or booths that seat several people comfortably. The order-at-the-counter model speeds up service, facilitating quicker turnover so groups don't have to wait excessively for their meals. Also, the customizable menu helps groups place individual orders without confusion or delay, as each person selects exactly what they want. While Five Guys does not generally take reservations, its streamlined service and available space mean larger groups can still plan informal meetups with relative ease, ensuring that everyone is served hot and fresh without feeling rushed. This readiness to serve the whole group efficiently makes it a dependable choice for meetups involving friends, family, or colleagues.
How suitable is Five Guys for family gatherings?
Five Guys is highly suitable for family gatherings because it offers a kid-friendly environment with a menu that appeals across age groups. The casual, no-frills setting is comfortable and welcoming for children, and many locations have booths or areas suitable for groups with kids. The ability to customize meals means picky eaters can easily get exactly what they want, which simplifies meal decisions for parents. The generous portions mean families can share fries and sides, adding to the communal dining experience. Moreover, Five Guys’ reputation for fresh, quality ingredients gives parents confidence in the meal’s nutritional value compared to typical fast food. Its straightforward menu and friendly staff further enhance the family-friendly atmosphere, making it a practical and enjoyable destination for family meetups.
What extras can you enjoy when hosting a meetup at Five Guys?
Beyond its signature burgers and fries, Five Guys offers several extras that enhance a meetup experience. Milkshakes with classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry provide a perfect sweet complement to the savory meal, making it easy to celebrate or indulge as a group. Free peanuts available in many locations create a casual, nostalgic snack while waiting for food, adding a unique touch to the dining atmosphere. The simple but effective décor and friendly staff contribute to a relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes group members feel at ease. Additionally, some locations have TVs showing sports or events, which can add entertainment value for groups interested in catching a game during their meal. These little bonuses make dining at Five Guys not just about the food but also about enjoying a complete, comfortable social experience.